14 DAY TRIAL // History and Shakespeare enthusiasts can now visit the grave of King Richard III of England, which officially became opened to the public this past Saturday, July 26.
The remains of King Richard III were unearthed from under a parking lot in Leicester, UK, back in 2012. However, it was only in 2013 that the bones were positively identified as belonging to the late monarch.
Investigations carried out at this archaeological site following the discovery of the king's remains revealed that, upon his death, Richard III was buried in a rather hasty manner. Thus, he was pretty much thrown in the ground.
Now that the remains no longer sit in their original grave, preparations are underway for Richard III of England to be reburied in Leicester Cathedral. This second funeral will take place next year, Live Science informs.
The monarch's initial resting place is now part and parcel of a so-called King Richard III Visitor Center. Folks visiting the site will surely notice that the late king was buried in a tomb too small to properly accommodate for his body.
Historians say that Richard III was laid to rest in this location in the aftermath of the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. In time, the monarch's grave fell out of sight, and eventually a parking lot was built right on top of it.
Commenting on the opening of the Richard III Visitor Center, director Iain Gordon said, “We are looking forward to welcoming people from Leicester, and from all over the world, to learn more about the dramatic story of the king's life, his brutal death at Bosworth Battlefield and the compelling story of his rediscovery.”