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It has been revealed that the DNA of the skeleton belonging to
Richard III is to sequenced. This could potentially uncover details
about the last Plantagenet King, such as his eye and hair
colour.
This is the next project in a long line of plans to discover more
about the King, whose remains were discovered under a car park in
Leicester in 2012. This study is to be led by the geneticist from
the University of Leicester, Turi King, who helped confirm
Richard’s body through extensive DNA testings.
The programme is estimated to take at least 18 months and will cost
£100,000. Through these tests, it is thought that an archive of
information could be produced surrounding different findings about
Richard III, allowing the public a better understanding of the
medieval King.
Many surviving portraits of Richard were painted after his defeat
at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Therefore, specific elements of
his appearance are still contested. However, by mapping his DNA, we
may be able to confirm some of his characteristics, and illustrate
whether Richard’s portraits were accurate depictions of him. In the
Channel 4 documentary The King in the Car
Park, which aired shortly after the confirmation of
Richard’s body was publicised, the facial reconstruction that was
created, which was based on Richard’s exhumed skull, showed a
significant likeness to the King’s portraits. The results from the
genome sequencing could reveal whether Richard had
characteristics such as curly or straight hair, and blue or brown
eyes.
These examinations may also be able to suggest whether the King
possessed any health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes
or whether he was lactose intolerant. One result of the tests,
which many will be interested to find out, will be whether the
evident scoliosis of Richard’s spine was genetically inherited.
To aid Dr King’s research, she will also be sequencing the DNA
of Canadian Michael Ibsen. Mr Ibsen is Richard’s 17-times
great nephew, and was the person who’s DNA was used to test against
the car park skeleton so to confirm the finding of the medieval
King.
Dr King has stated”It is an extremely rare occurrence that
archaeologists are involved in the excavation of a known
individual, let alone a king of England.”
She continued to speak of how it is now possible to “sequence
entire genomes from ancient individuals and with them, those of
pathogens that may have caused infectious disease”.
The geneticist added “You can actually look across his entire
genetic make-up and say something about his ancestry – it is likely
he was northern European.”
The reburial of Richard III is set to continue to be debated, as
relatives to the King believe that they should have a voice in the
decision of where he should be buried. Richard’s remains were due
to be reinterred in Leicester Cathedral, however many continue to
contest this and state that the remains should be buried in York
Minster.
photo credit: Lisby via photopin cc]]>
