This is Nottingham --
TWO Notts scientists are hoping to uncover more about the life of King Richard III – after analysing his bones and teeth.
Experts at the British Geological Survey have spent the past five months testing samples of the former king's skeleton, discovered beneath a car park in Leicester.
They hope to use their findings to build up a picture of his diet, movements and exposure to pollution.
Professor Jane Evans, head of science-based archaeology at the British Geological Survey, in Keyworth, has been working with research scientist Dr Angela Lamb on the project.
Prof Evans, 57, of Keyworth, said: "When it all started, I knew there was a play by Shakespeare about him, and that was about it. When the skeleton was excavated and he was found, it was an amazing archaeological event. To be part of now characterising that person is very exciting."
The University of Leicester announced in February that the human remains found beneath a car park in the city last summer were indeed those of King Richard III.
After hearing about the find, Prof Evans contacted the university to ask if they could take samples, which could be used to build up a picture of the king.
This included removing two teeth from the skull as well as taking fragments of rib and leg bones.
Prof Evans said: "It was utterly unnerving removing the teeth. Sometimes teeth will come out easily and sometimes they won't. We used our fingers and removed one of the pre-molars fine, but we spent some time jiggling at a molar which didn't want to move.
"We didn't want to risk damaging the skull so we sawed the tooth off and didn't extract the roots.
"It is a unique skeleton and we wanted to treat it with respect. We were always conscious of the fact it's historical and high profile."
Prof Evans and Dr Lamb have used acid to dissolve the bone and analyse the chemical make-up.
The results of their work are expected to be known by the end of the year.
Dr Evans said: "The teeth are a record of his life since the age of six.
"This will provide us with information about where he was living, which we can compare with historical records. We know he was born in Northamptonshire and we will be able to tell if he was still living in the area or had moved away."
Dr Lamb, 39, of the Vale of Belvoir, added: "We can also tell how much protein was in his diet. Not much is known about that.
"For me, the exciting part will be finding out what a king may have been eating or drinking. You do not get many chances in your career to work on a king." Reported by This is 35 minutes ago.
TWO Notts scientists are hoping to uncover more about the life of King Richard III – after analysing his bones and teeth.
Experts at the British Geological Survey have spent the past five months testing samples of the former king's skeleton, discovered beneath a car park in Leicester.
They hope to use their findings to build up a picture of his diet, movements and exposure to pollution.
Professor Jane Evans, head of science-based archaeology at the British Geological Survey, in Keyworth, has been working with research scientist Dr Angela Lamb on the project.
Prof Evans, 57, of Keyworth, said: "When it all started, I knew there was a play by Shakespeare about him, and that was about it. When the skeleton was excavated and he was found, it was an amazing archaeological event. To be part of now characterising that person is very exciting."
The University of Leicester announced in February that the human remains found beneath a car park in the city last summer were indeed those of King Richard III.
After hearing about the find, Prof Evans contacted the university to ask if they could take samples, which could be used to build up a picture of the king.
This included removing two teeth from the skull as well as taking fragments of rib and leg bones.
Prof Evans said: "It was utterly unnerving removing the teeth. Sometimes teeth will come out easily and sometimes they won't. We used our fingers and removed one of the pre-molars fine, but we spent some time jiggling at a molar which didn't want to move.
"We didn't want to risk damaging the skull so we sawed the tooth off and didn't extract the roots.
"It is a unique skeleton and we wanted to treat it with respect. We were always conscious of the fact it's historical and high profile."
Prof Evans and Dr Lamb have used acid to dissolve the bone and analyse the chemical make-up.
The results of their work are expected to be known by the end of the year.
Dr Evans said: "The teeth are a record of his life since the age of six.
"This will provide us with information about where he was living, which we can compare with historical records. We know he was born in Northamptonshire and we will be able to tell if he was still living in the area or had moved away."
Dr Lamb, 39, of the Vale of Belvoir, added: "We can also tell how much protein was in his diet. Not much is known about that.
"For me, the exciting part will be finding out what a king may have been eating or drinking. You do not get many chances in your career to work on a king." Reported by This is 35 minutes ago.