The Bones Of Richard III

Readers of the bulletin will be aware of the recent discovery, disinterment and identification of what have now been clearly established to be the bones of King Richard III from the site of the former Greyfriars (Franciscan) Church in Leicester. Readers will also be aware of the controversy that has been aroused by the decision to reinter the remains in Leicester Cathedral and may be aware of the proposal that kinsmen of Richard III might bring proceedings for judicial review to challenge this decision.

We have no wish to take sides in this controversy. However readers may be interested in a glimpse of some of the legal issues involved.

It is understood that the remains were disinterred under the authority of a licence granted by the Secretary of State under section 25 of the Burial Act 1857. This section reads as follows:

"25 Bodies not to be removed from burial grounds, save under faculty, without licence of Secretary...