Richard III Battled In Vain…His Remains Found In Alchemy’s Hometown!
Those who share our passion for medieval history doubtless also share our excitement at the news that archaeologists believe they’ve discovered the bones of King Richard III. We’re particularly thrilled because the discovery’s been made in Alchemy’s hometown of Leicester. We have a special soft spot for Richard, one of the most controversial figures in English history, reviled as a deformed, evil tyrant by his opponents, hailed as a just and honest ruler by his supporters. He died fighting his rival Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, though the location of his body has remained a mystery. Until, perhaps, now…
Richard had the posthumous misfortune to have the greatest writer in English literature briefing against him, in the shape of William Shakespeare, who depicted the King as a scheming, bloodthirsty hunchback in his play Richard III (c. 1591). Since then this image has dominated portrayals, most famously when Laurence Olivier donned the hump for a 1955 film version of the play. Though we confess we rather like the over-the-top performance of the horror star Vincent Price as Richard in the 1962 Gothic chiller Tower of London. In 1983, the comedian Peter Cook parodied the Shakespeare version by playing the King as a brave, nice man in the first episode of the popular BBC historical sitcom Blackadder.
Whichever version is closest to the real Richard III, hopefully we’ll know a little more about this fascinating monarch after the team from Leicester University conclude their investigations. There are already calls for the remains to be interred with appropriate pomp, though this is perhaps premature, as the DNA testing which will help confirm the skeleton’s identity will take several months. Famously, the insignia of Richard’s faction was the white rose of York, and some feel he should be buried in York Minster. It is, we confess, pure coincidence that roses entwined with skulls and bones is the chief motif in the Alchemy collection. But it’s one we’re proud of, and we hope you’ll excuse this exciting discovery as an excuse to show you a few designs we feel appropriate to celebrate this exciting archaeological discovery!…
Why not get your hands on Alchemy’s very own Skull & Rose inspired
buckle! You can order your Alchemist Rex Buckle (B13) online by visiting our approved list of dealers at: http://www.alchemyengland.com/buy