Richard III: The King in the Car Park

Richard III: The King in the Car Park is a thrilling 2013 documentary presented by Simon Farnaby, a notable actor and writer known for his work in British comedy. This mesmerising documentary tells a story of an extraordinary discovery that took the world by surprise, as archaeologists unearthed the remains of the infamous King Richard III. The documentary follows a captivating tale of historical detective work, bringing to life one of the most significant archaeological finds in recent history.

The story begins in 2012 in a car park in Leicester, England, where a group of archaeologists from the University of Leicester embarked on an ambitious project to locate the lost grave of Richard III, the last English King who died in battle. There was no certainty that anything would be found, given the timeline and the urban development over the years, but the team, led by archaeologist Richard Buckley, remained hopeful.

King Richard III, of course, is no stranger to fame. His reign from 1483 to 1485 still excites debate and controversy amongst historians. Renowned as the maligned ruler in Shakespeare's play - characterised as a hunchbacked villain who stopped at nothing to claim the throne - Richard III's life and death continue to fascinate many, even centuries later.

The documentary follows the year-long journey leading up to the extraordinary discovery and beyond. Simon Farnaby deftly weaves together the strands of the archaeological investigation and the historical exploration of Richard III as a character. With a charming blend of humour, curiosity and academic rigour, Farnaby takes viewers through the unfolding drama, revealing the effort and expertise channeled in the pursuit of historical truth.

A significant part of the narrative revolves around the local enthusiast and secretary of the Richard III Society, Philippa Langley. Her tireless lobbying and fundraising efforts made the excavation possible in the first place, despite scepticism from some quarters. The documentary depicts Langley's deep emotional connection to the last Plantagenet King and her unwavering conviction that he was buried in the old car park.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Richard III: The King in the Car Park is the fusion of historical research, modern technology, and forensic analysis employed throughout the excavation project and born out of the actual discovery, viewers experience the excitement of the investigators as each piece of evidence begins to add up.

The film cleverly interweaves elements of suspense and excitement, juxtaposing moments of scientific revelation and dramatic reenactments of events from Richard III's life and reign. Interviews with experts, including archaeologists, historians, and forensic specialists, lend credibility and depth to the narrative.

Tension heightens when the bones reveal crucial evidence of spinal curvature and battle trauma, matching the historical reports of King Richard III’s physical attributes and cause of death. The narrative reaches its climax when a DNA test is carried out to confirm the identity of the bones, with results compared to the DNA of Richard's living descendants.

Yet, the discovery of the King's remains raise more questions. How should the last Plantagenet King be remembered? What will be the final resting place for one of history's most controversial characters? These questions make the conclusion of the film a springboard for further exploration rather than a mere end of a captivating story.

Richard III: The King in the Car Park is an extraordinary blend of history, science, and suspense. It offers a thought-provoking re-evaluation of a much-maligned King and invites viewers to question the validity of the historical accounts and literature that have shaped Richard III's legacy. It’s an exhilarating journey through time, through facts and speculations, and through the very layers of a car park in Leicester that held a medieval secret for over five centuries. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or the fascinating tales told by the silent bones of the past.