A group of amateur historians are battling to open a tomb which they claim contains the remains of King Harold II.

The historians say if they break open the tomb at Holy Trinity Church in Bosham, West Sussex, they will uncover the mystery surrounding the final resting place of the last Anglo-Saxon king.

The debate over the burial site of Harold, killed by William the Conqueror's army during the Battle of Hastings in 1066, has raged for decades.

Some experts say the most likely burial place is Waltham Abbey, one of Harold's churches, while others claim his grave was hidden by Norman troops to prevent it becoming a shrine.

Before the historians can exhume the remains they have to get permission from the Chichester Diocese Consistory Court.

On Monday they will approach the court to try to get the go-ahead to access the tomb, which was last opened in 1954.

DNA testing

If successful, the group will then call on scientists from University College London to test DNA found in the remains. It will be compared to the DNA of three men who claim they are distant descendants of the Saxon king.

The historians have also cast doubt on the accepted story that Harold was killed by an arrow in the eye.


View: Full Article | Source: BBC News