‘Long-shot’ hunt launched for the lost grave of Richard III

In what is believed to be the first-ever archaeological search for the lost grave of an anointed King of England, experts from the University of Leicester are set to begin their quest to find the site of a church where it is believed King Richard III was buried more than 500 years ago.

Richard III, the last Plantagenet, who had intended to be buried at York Minster, ruled England from 1483 until he was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

It is believed his body was stripped and despoiled and brought to Leicester, where he was buried in the church of the Franciscan Friary, known as Greyfriars.

But the exact whereabouts have become lost and it is rumoured the bones could have been thrown into the River Soar after the dissolution of the monasteries.

Richard Buckley, co-director of the archaeology service at the university, said: “Although in many ways finding the remains of the king is a long shot, it is a challenge we shall undertake enthusiastically.”