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LEICESTER, UK: Isotope analysis of bone and tooth material from King Richard III has revealed previously unknown details of his early life and the change in his diet when he became king 26 months before being killed at the Battle of Bosworth. The research, conducted by the British Geological Survey in collaboration with researchers at the University of Leicester, examined the changes in chemistry in the teeth, the femur and the rib, all of which develop and remodel at different stages of life.
Isotope measurements that relate to geographical location, pollution and diet (strontium, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon and lead) were analysed in three locations on the skeleton of Richard III. The teeth, which form in childhood, confirmed that Richard had moved from Fotheringay Castle in eastern England by the time he was 7. The data suggest that during this time he was in an area of higher rainfall, older rocks and with a changed diet relative to his place of birth in Northamptonshire. By examining the femur, which represents an average of 15 years before death, the researchers found that Richard had moved back to eastern England as an adolescent or young adult, and had a diet typical of that of the highest aristocracy.
The third location, the rib, renews itself relatively quickly, so it only represents between two and five years before death. Data from the isotopes in this bone indicate the greatest change in diet. Although an alteration in the chemistry between the femur and the rib of Richard III could indicate relocation, historical records show that Richard did not move from the east of England in the two years prior to his death. As such, this chemical change is more likely to represent a change in diet relating to his period as king. The difference suggests an increase in consumption of fresh-water fish and birds, which were popular additions to royal banquets at the time and included birds, such as swan, crane, heron and egret. In addition, the bone chemistry suggests he drank more wine during his short reign as king and reinforces the idea that food and drink were strongly linked to social status in Medieval England.
Dr Angela Lamb, isotope geochemist and lead author of the paper, said: “The chemistry of Richard III’s teeth and bones reveal changes in his geographical movements, diet and social status throughout his life.”
Richard Buckley, OBE, from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services and lead archaeologist in the Richard III dig said, “This cutting edge research has provided a unique opportunity to shed new light on the diet and environment of a major historical figure—Richard III. It is very rare indeed in archaeology to be able to identify a named individual with precise dates and a documented life. This has enabled the stable-isotope analysis to show how his environment changed at different times in his life and, perhaps most significantly, identified marked changes in his diet when he became king in 1483.”
The study, titled “Multi-isotope analysis demonstrates significant lifestyle changes in King Richard III”, was published online on 16 August in the Journal of Archaeological Science ahead of print.
