Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => English Warbow => Topic started by: bumppo on September 12, 2012, 03:23:19 pm
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I wasn't able to find much information on the discovery of Richard III's skeleton other than a short story in BBC and Yahoo news. They both confirm that the skeleton they found had a barbed arrow head lodged in its back which occurred at the time of his death. "A university spokesperson said the evidence included signs of a peri-mortem (near-death) trauma to the skull and a barbed iron arrow head in the area of the spine." from BBC news.
I'm guessing Richard III would have been wearing the best armor available. Is this real-world evidence of a warbow arrow penetrating armor in a battlefield situation? Maybe the arrow was shot from a crossbow? The story of his death, from what I've read, describes him being pulled from his horse and killed with a blow to the head. Maybe he was shot in the back after his death? Anyone have any thoughts?
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There's a pic of the type of Harness he would of been wearing in this pdf.
http://www.richardiii.net/PDFS/scan_yeoman_armour.pdf
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http://m.kctv5.com/w/main/story/73018957/
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On the subject of identification, the article in the link above, says we have a verified descendant of Richard from whom DNA tests will be made. That should be conclusive if no close relative of Richard died in the battle. Especially given the spine curvature. The Richard III society online forum must be jumping about now!