Richard III: Discovery and identification
Injuries to the mandible, rib and pelvis (injuries 9-11)
9. A tool mark on right mandible
This mark consists of a number of fine striations which appear to have been caused by a sharp weapon.
10. Cut on right tenth rib
This cut was caused by a sharp knife or dagger. During the battle the torso would have been protected by a solid armour backplate, so this may represent a post-mortem injury, perhaps delivered as a ‘punishment’ or occurring when the armour and clothing was stripped from the body.
11. Cut on inside of pelvis
This was produced by a sharp weapon such as a sword or dagger. The weapon was thrust from behind, entering the right buttock and penetrating right through the body. Such a blow would be difficult to inflict during battle, when the king would have been protected by his armour. This injury may also have been inflicted post-mortem, as an act of humiliation.
