Wednesday, September 12, 2012

BBC News - Richard III dig: 'Strong chance' bones belong to king

BBC News - Richard III dig: 'Strong chance' bones belong to king


Richard III dig: 'Strong chance' bones belong to king


Trench at Richard III dig The skeleton of the adult male was found buried at the far end of this trench

Archaeologists searching for the grave of Richard III have said human remains found in Leicester show similarities to the king's portrayal in records.

The English king died at the battle of Bosworth in 1485.

Archaeologists began a dig searching for his last resting place on 25 August under a car park in Leicester.

The remains found show signs of spinal abnormalities and a "cleaved-in skull" that suggest it could be Richard III, the University of Leicester team said.

A university spokesperson said "strong circumstantial evidence" including signs of a peri-mortem (near-death) trauma to the skull and abnormalities on the spine - severe scoliosis - were found after an initial examination of the skeleton.

Although not as pronounced as Shakespeare's portrayal of the king as a hunchback, the condition would have given the adult male the appearance of having one shoulder higher than the other.

Richard Taylor from Leicester University outlines five pieces of evidence which suggest the skeleton may have belonged to Richard III

The bones, believed to be well preserved, are undergoing DNA analysis. The tests will take about 12 weeks to complete.

Philippe Langley, from the Richard III Society, said: "The dream was to find Richard III and today it seems the dream is possible."

As the defeated foe, Richard was given a low-key burial in the Franciscan friary of Greyfriars.

This was demolished in the 1530s but documents describing the burial site have survived.

The excavation, which began on 25 August, has uncovered the remains of the cloisters and chapter house, as well as the church.

Work focused on the choir area, in the centre of the church, where it was indicated Richard was interred.

Richard Taylor, from the University of Leicester, said: "What we have uncovered is truly remarkable."

Speaking before a press conference, he said: "We have sent the remains off to the laboratory for analysis.

"DNA testing will take between eight and 12 weeks and the remains are being analysed as we speak."

Any bones which are thought to be those of the king will have their DNA tested against descendants of Richard's family.

1741 and 2012 maps of Leicester Archaeologists used a 1741 map of Leicester to find the site of Greyfriars and then compared this to the modern city to find where to dig

How to Build a TARDIS Replica (with pictures) - wikiHow

How to Build a TARDIS Replica (with pictures) - wikiHow

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Festival of Ale | Higgins Armory Museum

Festival of Ale | Higgins Armory Museum

The Brewer’s Spotlight returns! Did you miss us? This Tuesday, we’d like to focus on the Berkshire Brewing Company, otherwise known as BBC.

Since 1992, Massachusetts natives Chris Lalli and Gary Bogoff have focused on reviving the time- honored tradition of local, quality ales. They started Berkshire Brewing with the aim of producing ale with the same ethics and craftsmanship of an artisan. Although they originally intended to produce draft-only brews, the public demand for “take-home” products quickly induced them to start bottling. Within two years of business, BBC went from brewing 24 barrels (the equivalent of 774 gallons) per week, to 77 barrels (2,387 gallons) per week- (wow!) With this success came several new ales and the introduction of seasonal lagers to the family. And who doesn’t like a brewery that refers to their beers as a “family”?

It just makes sense that they put that much care and attention into brewing their nine year-round flavors of ales and various seasonal flavors...and, let’s face it, when one goes about any craft that way, it’s bound to be delicious. Berkshire Brewing takes the time to make every drinker’s experience as awesome as possible. As Chris and Gary say, “It’s all about the beer, but beer is nothing without the people.”

The 12th Annual Festival of Ale is soon approaching! This popular fundraiser brings together over 20 brewers featuring over 70 mouthwatering beers. If you’re interested in trying a Berkshire beer, come on by our Festival of Ale on Saturday, September 22!

Lord of the Rings in Stainglass




Marines taking "big dog" for walk.