University of Leicester releases timelapse video of second excavation at site where King Richard III was found
This article originally appeared on Culture24.
Overhead camera powered by car battery provides footage which took 40 hours to condense
A behind-the-scenes, 11-minute video of the dig for Richard III, taken from a camera looking down from the old school building at the Grey Friars car park in Leicester, has been released to the public.
Shot from the pre-development site of the new Richard III visitor centre, the recording captured 50,000 still images, charged by a car battery every four days. The final clip took more than 40 hours to create.
“When the second dig was announced, it was suggested immediately that a time-lapse recording should be made to allow for the whole process to be viewed,” reflects Carl Vivian, the Video Producer, who says he is “really proud” of the finished documentary.
“The search and discovery of Richard III has been an extraordinary adventure and part of why it has been so unique is the fact that the archaeologists and scientists have allowed every step of the journey to be recorded, so everyone can see and share the moments of each discovery being made.
“This is another fascinating insight into the hard work that has underpinned the search and discovery of the remains of Richard III.”
The Site Director, Matthew Morris, describes the archaeological excavation as the video progresses.
“This is a bit of the excavation that you don’t often get a chance to see,” he explains.
“The video shows all aspects of the dig. This was a much bigger excavation than our first on this site when we discovered Richard III, and was our last chance to document the archaeology before the Visitor Centre was built on top of the car park.
“This second dig was key to providing us with more information about the relationship of Richard III’s grave to the rest of the church.
"We were able to excavate the additional graves we had identified during the first dig and also found evidence of a new friary building.
“This film footage is a great way to capture all of the aspects of the dig.”
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More from Culture24's coverage of the Richard III excavation:
Archaeologists open coffin of elderly woman found near Richard III's grave in Leicester friary
"Like opening a tin can": The story behind the lead coffin found in Richard III's friary
Newly released film footage shows "eureka moment" when killer blow to King Richard III was found
Royal bloodline questioned as scientists conclude 529-year "missing person" search for Richard III
Gray Friars skeleton is last Plantagenet king, say Leicester team on trail of Richard III
Richard III body infected with roundworms, say University of Leicester archaeologists
Richard III DNA tests to reveal hair, eyes and diseases of the King
Bread Angel creates Richard III food range to celebrate Leicester archaeological triumph
Richard III: Archaeologist Claire Calver on the search for the King's body in Leicester
The DNA of a King: Dr Turi King on the genome sequencing of Richard III
Richard III to be buried in Leicester, High Court rules
Experts see Richard III's battle injuries as infirmary remains help create new skeleton
Richard III skeleton reveals his prodigious alcohol consumption and rich diet
"Compelling" new forensic evidence shows grisly sustained attack on Richard III at Battle of Bosworth
Richard III cortege journey route revealed as Leicester Cathedral prepares to bury body
In Pictures: The archaeology and science which identified King Richard III in Leicester
Leicester Cathedral reveals "distinctive" Richard III tomb "imbued with spirituality"
