"Today marks the culmination of an extraordinary journey of discovery. When I embarked on the Looking For Richard project 4 years ago - the quest to find a king in a car park - almost everyone thought I was mad. Let's face it, it's not the easiest pitch in the world – to look for a king under a council car park – but luckily the R3 Soc, LCC, and the University, as well as C4 and DSP – partners with vision, came on board.
"But, as we got ready to look for Richard, at the 11th hour one of our funding bodies pulled. The dig was to be cancelled so, together with writer Annette Carson we launched an international appeal. The search for Richard was saved by donations from around the world, but they also gave the project its mandate when they said – search for him - find him - honour him".
"Strange thing to say for Richard III – honour him …?
"Richard III gave us the system of bail and opened up the printing industry, giving us books and the freedom of information. He also initiated – and applied - the legal principles of the Presumption of Innocence and Blind Justice. It is ironic then that Richard is still presumed guilty of the murder of his nephews, until proven innocent, even though there is no evidence that points to him having killed them".