Why was there an R in the car park?

Why Was There an R in the Car Park?

The discovery of King Richard III’s remains in a car park in Leicester, England, in 2012 sent shockwaves around the world. The story is a fascinating one, involving a centuries-old mystery, a determined amateur historian, and a team of archaeologists. But one question still remains: why was there an R in the car park?

The Car Park and the Grave

The car park in question is the Grey Friars Church car park, which is located in the city of Leicester. The church was built in the 13th century and was used as a burial site for the city’s rich and powerful. In 1485, King Richard III was killed in the Battle of Bosworth Field, and his body was taken to the church for burial.

The Search for Richard III

For centuries, the location of Richard III’s grave was lost to history. The church was demolished in the 17th century, and its exact location was forgotten. However, in the early 21st century, a team of archaeologists led by Philippa Langley, an amateur historian, began searching for the king’s grave.

The Discovery

In 2012, the team used ground-penetrating radar and other techniques to locate the grave. After excavating the site, they found a skeleton with a severe curvature of the spine, which was consistent with the accounts of Richard III’s appearance. DNA tests confirmed that the skeleton was indeed the remains of the king.

The "R" in the Car Park

So, why was there an R in the car park? According to Philippa Langley, the amateur historian who led the search for Richard III’s grave, the R was painted on the car park by Mike Mistray, the car park attendant, in the early 2000s. Mistray had marked the spot where he believed Richard III’s grave to be, using the letter R to denote "reserved" parking.

A Chance Discovery

The story of the R in the car park is a remarkable one. If it were not for Mike Mistray’s chance discovery of the grave, the team may never have found the remains of King Richard III. The R, which may seem like a minor detail, played a crucial role in the discovery and the subsequent identification of the king’s remains.

The Significance of the Discovery

The discovery of Richard III’s remains is significant not only for historians and archaeologists but also for the people of Leicester. The king’s body was reburied in Leicester Cathedral in 2015, and the city has since become a major tourist destination. The story of the R in the car park is a testament to the power of discovery and the importance of preserving our history.

A Table of the Key Dates

Conclusion

The story of the R in the car park is a fascinating one, filled with twists and turns. From the discovery of the grave to the identification of the king’s remains, the story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of preserving our history. The R may seem like a minor detail, but it played a crucial role in the discovery and the subsequent identification of Richard III’s remains.