Medieval female skeleton may be church founder

A skeleton found in the same boneyard where English King Richard III may have been buried might be one of the founders of the Church of the Grey Friars, archaeologists announced Tuesday (Oct. 30).

Scientists have yet to examine the female skeleton, though they are subjecting a male skeleton suspected to be Richard III’s to rigorous testing. Nevertheless, the researchers said it was no surprise to find a woman buried at the medieval church in Leicester, England.

“We know of at least one woman connected with the friary, Ellen Luenor, a possible benefactor and founder with her husband, Gilbert,” said Mathew Morris, the site director of the University of Leicester Archaeological Services.