Richard the Third only ruled England for only two years, but the battle over his body may last nearly as long as his reign.
The last king of York perished on Ambion Hill, at the Battle of Bosworth Field on 22 August 1485. The English leader was just 32 years old. A body, believed to be that of the fallen leader, was detected under a car park by ground-penetrating radar. On 4 February 2013, a team of researchers from the University of Leicester confirmed the remains were that of the last English king to die in battle. The grave is located near the spot where the monarch died.
Richard's death was a turning point in English history. Bosworth Field was the last decisive battle of the War of the Roses. When it ended, the House of York fell, ending the House of Plantagenet, a dynasty which ruled England from the time of the High Middle Ages. That day is also considered the end of the Middle Ages in the United Kingdom.
Today, a group of Richard's descendants, calling themselves the Plantagenet Alliance, is asking the High Court to halt plans to re-bury the king at the Cathedral in Leicester, near where the remains were found. The city plans to spend $6.6 million dollars constructing a new visitors center, planned for the grave site.
Members of the alliance say public inquiry should have been taken before naming a permanent resting spot for the ancient leader.
The Plantagenet Alliance wants to see the remains buried in York. This northern area of England was the center of Richard's kingdom. Around 100 people rallied in York, supporting the idea of bringing the leader back to the city.
Gerard Clarke, representing the alliance, stated if the court does not see fit to remove the remains to York, a meeting seeking public input would be acceptable.
Richard the Third has an unusual legacy. Many historians say he imprisoned and murdered two young nephews in the Tower of London. William Shakespeare depicted him as a power-hungry tyrant. Modern research suggests characterizations of the monarch are largely misguided. When Richard died, Henry the Seventh took over as leader of the nation.
Even the current Queen of England herself was surprised when she learned of the announcement to keep the body in Leicester. Richard the Third was the 14th great-grand uncle to Elizabeth the Second.
Three judges on England's High Court are expected to rule on the disposition of the body in a few weeks.
Some people in England are referring to the battle over where to inter the bones of the fallen monarch as the "Second War of the Roses."
