The Interment Adventures of Ned and Dick

Who would think that Richard III and Ned Kelly might have something in common?

Well, they've both had their remains dug up and (almost) identified. In turn, the questions arise regards where their respective final resting places should be.  I've been following this issue with Ned Kelly, and now it seems it could be Richard III's turn.

Grave of Red Kelly, Neds Father

 Even in these early hours after the release of some detail about the possible bones of Richard III, the physical evidence may be seem to support a positive ID.  But you can't say the spine shape or the hole in the head proves identity. That's madness.  Possible scoliosis with one shoulder heavier, stronger and perhaps higher than the other might have everything to do with shooting 10 arrows per minute or wielding heavy weapons on a regular basis. And how much of that stuff did a King in battle really do?  Don't ask me, I have no idea, but I'm sure there is a lot to consider.  

No I'm not suggesting the skeleton is an archer or any other person. I'm just saying it might not be as cut and dry as it seems. That's why the DNA analysis will be the confirming factor.

The skeleton that turned out to be Ned Kellys also had physical markings consistent with those sustained by Ned through his lifetime and the showdown at Glenrowan.  Again, any nineteenth century convict bushman might have similar markings of a hard life. It was only mitochondrial DNA that identified the famous bushrangers remains beyond doubt. The comparison sample was taken from 4 generations on (Leigh Oliver is Ned's sisters great grandson).    In the case of Richard III the comparison sample goes back 17 generations  and they were also fortunate to find a maternal mitochondrial descendant (Michael Ibsen, descended from Richard III's sister, Anne of York). 

Regarding the final interrment of the bones, the Kelly descendants wishes were paramount. There were literally hundreds of relations; some had to be found and then there was a big reunion to discuss the issues.

For Richard, going back 500 years, that's a lot of  research and a lot of relatives to consult.  For a Plantagenet King from 500 years ago, I'm sure others decide.  At the moment it seems to be more a national and historiographic issue than a family one.  One assumes that Richard III would have had a funeral, albeit a modest one when they buried him at Greyfriars. Is there a need for another? Would not a simple interment be appropriate?

The good news about Kelly is that no more will his bones be amusements for museum visitors. It's interesting that the court had to pass a law to deem it so.  Surely no museum in its right mind would display Neds remains in that context these days? Perhaps I'm utterly naive.

On such issues it's interesting that the Australian footage of Kellys dig allows the bones to be seen, photographed etc in situ, but that was not the case with the UK footage of Richard III,  despite us being used to it on Time Team every night at 6pm.  I'm not sure what prompted that censorship. There would be nothing gory about the bones and it strikes me that there are so many on public view at the British Museums (for instance)  that one comes across haphazardly already.  Perhaps it's different at the in-the-ground stage or simply was a cautionary measure.   Maybe his being such a famous figure makes the difference. I'm not sure. 

Screen of Kings at York Minster. Richard III is 4th from R.

But I digress.  I hope that Richard or whoever has been find, comes to rest in a suitable spot. If it is indeed Richard the following have been suggested:

* Leicester Cathedral - as he wished it (some say)

* York Minster - as he also seemed to wish it (others say)

* Westminster Abbey - to join his wife

* Fotheringay Cathedral - to join his parents.

Regardless of the outcome there are a few more mysteries to solve; discussions to be had.  As you can imagine, the plethora of suggestions, assumptions have already begun. There's even been the suggestion of a full royal State Funeral at Westminster Abbey.  As I've already said, he would have been given a funeral at the time of the burial in the friary. You don't inter a body in such a prominent spot without doing so and Mr Buckley the project archeologist has said:  "Richard III was buried in the parish in good faith and there's no reason why he should be moved".  Hmm. That won't stop them.

While it is just beginning for Richard III I'm very happy that  most of poor Ned is being buried at last.  May his skull join the rest of him in the future.

Further Reading:

ABC on Neds Burial
The Spectator on Richards Burial
Other Kings Who did not Rest In Peace
Greyfriars Skeleton Revealed