DeepSummary
The episode begins by discussing the significance of a British monarch's death and the elaborate ceremonies involved, contrasting it with the story of King Richard III, whose body remained lost for over 500 years after his death in 1485. It details how a group called the Richard III Society aimed to find and properly rebury his remains, leading to their discovery in 2012 under a parking lot in Leicester.
The search process is described, including the use of DNA analysis to identify the remains and the involvement of various organizations like the University of Leicester. Despite initial doubts, the body was found on the first day of the dig, with evidence like the spinal curvature and battle wounds confirming it was Richard III.
After the identification, debates arose over where to rebury Richard III, with suggestions ranging from York Minster to Westminster Abbey. Ultimately, it was decided he would be reburied at Leicester Cathedral in 2015, with a ceremony attended by dignitaries and viewed by thousands. The discovery has boosted tourism in Leicester, with a visitor center now located at the former parking lot site.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The body of King Richard III, who died in 1485, remained lost for over 500 years until it was incredibly discovered in 2012 under a parking lot in Leicester.
- A group called the Richard III Society aimed to locate and properly rebury the king's body, leading to the search and eventual identification through DNA analysis.
- After much debate, Richard III's remains were reburied at Leicester Cathedral in 2015 in a televised ceremony attended by dignitaries.
- The discovery and reburial have boosted tourism in Leicester, with a visitor center now located at the former parking lot dig site.
- Richard III's dramatic rise and fall, portrayal by Shakespeare, and the remarkable discovery of his body have cemented his place in history as an intriguing figure.
- The use of modern archaeological techniques like DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating were critical in confirming the identity of the remains after centuries.
- The reburial followed British laws requiring remains from archaeological digs to be interred at the nearest consecrated church to the original burial site.
- The story highlights how significant historical mysteries can still be unraveled through diligent research and modern scientific methods.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Eventually the courts got involved and the decision was made that he would be buried in Leicester Cathedral. This was consistent with british law, which required that any christian remains found in an archaeological dig to be reburied in the nearest consecrated ground to the dig site.“ by Speaker A
- “The reason why Philippa Langley was walking around the Leicester city council's car park was that it had been identified by several Ricardians as the possible resting place of Richard III.“ by Speaker A
- “Today, you can visit the tomb of Richard at the Leicester Cathedral yourself. The discovery of Richard's corpse and its reburial has been great for the city of Leicester.“ by Speaker A
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Episode Information
Everything Everywhere Daily
Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media
6/26/24