King Richard III New Evidence of His Spinal Deformity | History Documentary | Reel Truth History

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In February 2013 scientists announced that a skeleton found under a car park in Leicester was in fact the remains of King Richard III. The discovery has led to further investigation into the last medieval king of England, including the revelation that he had a twisted spine. Now take a look at exclusive footage of the scientists who are attempting to prove whether Richard's spinal deformity would have prevented him from leading at the Battle of Bosworth.
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#richardiii #medievalhistory #realtruthhistory

[@brianbarcus5853]

It takes tremendous courage to be severely disabled and push yourself to the extreme in such a public way for all eyes to see. Dominic is a hero! The King did it for fame and treasure. Dominic is doing it just for public education. Words cannot express his strength of character and generosity.

[@shgstewart4674]

Pardon me for saying this, but Dominic Smee is a long way from being "severely disabled." Yes, he has a severe scoliosis, but he can walk without using assistive devices, his breathing doesn't seem impaired, and his strength and endurance don't seem much different than someone's would be if they were that underweight but didn't have scoliosis. I have known people with spinal issues (spina bifida and scoliosis) who were so impaired they normally used wheelchairs who nevertheless learned to ride horses using modern saddles that were adapted to look very much like that medieval saddle -- high pommel and cantle designed to provide back support and extra stability both front to back and side to side. I could have told them before the fact that Dominic Smee would find it easier to ride in the medieval saddle than the modern one, but the medieval horsemanship experts in this documentary had likely never worked with a disabled person before.

[@leanie9660]

I have an immediate feeling of love for this young man....he has an extraordinary strength of spirit and seems to be genuinely likeable.

[@smileyface8832]

@Neelia *I agree 100%.*

[@smileyface8832]

@111111 33 *Yeah. So you're just one of the trolls that just has to go looking around for someone's comments. So you can just pooh all over what ever they say! Maybe you should go back to school. Since you can't even type properly. Grow up!!!*

[@republican4u2nv78]

@@smileyface8832 Since you are so worried about trying to insult other people's intelligence and typing skills, allow me to help you with your own comment. First, more than once (3 times) you cut off a sentence in the middle with a period where one does not belong. Second, it is "poo" as in "shit", not "pooh" as in "Winnie the Pooh." Btw, people are allowed to comment/reply in a public comment section and share their opinions even if you do not like or agree with them. It looks to me like *you* were the one looking for a comment to get "triggered" by and rant about.

[@mackaylacook148]

@111111 33 I think they are admiring the young man that reinacted the events the events of history

[@Starlightmin2]

Neelia i agree with you~

[@benters3509]

I was incredibly impressed by Dominic's bravery and tenacity to do all this. I hope he is now re-enacting Richard on a regular basis.

[@pink_alligator]

He better have been hired to do so, I mean what better person can you get than the guy who got picked by scientists for being so much like him

[@twilightingX]

@GotNoEvidence Troll alert!

[@owlgirl2337]

I hope so too I mean that's amazing!!!!

[@jessicavernon8332]

I wonder if Dominic is a possible descendent? I’m just putting it out there. DNA doesn’t lie. People do lie.

[@TheKnitch]

They'd better have hired him in some capacity at reenactments or renaissance faires. That armour isn't cheap! Not to mention the riding and weapons lessons! Lol!

[@fingerprint5511]

Dominic absolutely rocks, what a huge hearted soul! It was as if this was predestined for him.

[@eliskarezi4489]

M. Graph I agree. Dominic is such a sweetheart 💛

[@cameleonfleuri]

Finger Print: Absolutely!!!! 🤗

[@MakarovFox]

i hope he continues to train and go to this medieval parties

[@joaoalmendra65]

Life has funny twists.

[@chloejones1388]

Very spiritual timing and situations ✨

[@Rwthless1]

Richard's muscles would have been built up over the dozen or more years, in a way that afew months of hard training couldn't quite reproduce. It's amazing how much Dominic has achieved in so short a time.

[@puncheex2]

Agree. The medieval aristocracy would have a boy swinging a wooden sword as soon as he can walk. By teenagerhood, the sword is an extension of his arm and could be wielded for hours. Even a three-pound sword gets really heavy and begins throwing the arm around if the strength wanes.

[@susanc4622]

He's a very lucky young man. He's gone from what seems to have been a sedentary lifestyle to learning to ride and undertake many other physical activities.

[@lifetimeofaspeculator5966]

he actually had pretty weak muscle attachments based on the marks on his skeleton

[@serenagrisdale6969]

Very true!

[@equarg]

Dominic turned a “Disability” in to an “Ability”. His spinal condition allowed historians and scientists to better understand that time period and what was fiction and truth about Richard the 3rd. They briefly mentioned that Dominic was unemployed at the beginning, I hope he got a good job after this!

[@jimmydonohue4504]

I second that I hope he got a good job after that as well, what a trooper and it did look like he was having a great time!

[@wildplumbeauty]

Hear, Hear!

[@pepsicola6232]

He could play him in a movie. Hope he does.

[@sandijames8571]

Yes, indeed, what a great thing to have on his CV...Richard IIIs body double.

[@arkon6084]

Dominic had an experience of a life time: trained by all real masters to be a warrior king of the medieval time. Congratulation.

[@jeuandavidjones]

Kudos to Dominic. His commitment to this unique project is testament to his personal fortitude; it's a priceless contribution to our understanding of history. I hope he has been able to further his career.

[@pjhunton]

I was literally just about to write a similar comment, excellent experience for him and invaluable to everyone else for the lessons learned!

[@reenieager4243]

It's as if he was destined for this. Dominic has such a great aptitude and attitude. It's like observing living history through him. Love his attitude and approach. What a lovely person.

[@patriciabilinkas3911]

It’s so great to see what Richard would have been like in real life. Thank you, Dominic, for showing us that Richard wasn’t a hunchback. Also, I hope you got paid to do this.

[@graphiquejack]

Patricia Bilinkas but Richard was a hunchback. Dominic clearly has a bulge about midway down his back to his right, and if their spines are so similar we can assume Richard had the same bulge. The condition was extreme but Richard would have been trained to compensate for it and even his enemies credit him as a formidable opponent. I can admire Richard for overcoming much of those challenges, however, I still think he was as evil as they come and I am convinced by what historical evidence that we have that he was the only one who could have had his nephews murdered.

[@charlespeterwatson9051]

If you watch "The King In The Car Park", you'll hear NHS consultant Dr. Piers Mitchell tell Phillipa Langley that "hunchback" was a term used to describe anyone with a spinal abnormality.

[@susanc4622]

@@graphiquejack While that's all true. The term 'hunchback' conjures up images of Quasimodo whereas most people with scoliosis can hide it perfectly adequately under their clothes. It is not the same as osteoarthritis which can bend people double.

[@masterspark9880]

My dad’s back is slightly hunched and he’s a really nice guy. I don’t see why whether Richard was a hunchback or not really matters to the question of ‘was he a tyrant?’

[@catherinespark]

@@graphiquejack 'Hunchback' is not really a very politically correct or contemporary term for any form of back deformity.

[@Ravena1984]

My son was born with a rare form of scoliosis. His lumber spine is curved to the side and fused together with no discs between the vertabra. He also had both kidneys on his left side, fused together, but work as two separate kidneys, caused by the extra bone. He also has extra bone and slightly curved in his neck as well. He is very active and most people would never know about his condition unless they were told. My son can not do contact sports, but he does do bowling, swimming, cycling, archery, track, and weight lifting with Special Olympics.

[@sinistral9629]

I thoroughly applaud your son for not letting his condition hold him back. What an inspiration he must be to others with physical challenges! I wish him the very best in all his endeavours.

[@TimberwolfC14]

I want to congratulate your son and yourself. He has not asked what can't I do, but what can I do and it appears he can do a lot, he sounds a determined young man, never let the naysayers hold you back.

[@tahenare8746]

Isn't your son a remarkable story of endurance, Congratulations

[@mysticmeg111]

With respect would your amazing son put up a video of himself performing these activities?? He would be an inspiration to many challenged individuals..

[@icebergrose8955]

That's great he's so active. If Dominic hadn't said he had scoliosis I wouldn't have known by the way he walks around.

[@madiantin]

I find it a testament to Dominic's skill and hard work that he was able to complete all this training. Richard would have been trained like this his whole life. Dominic trained for only three months. Really excellent. Also, that armourer had mad skillz.

[@jhonabatil6875]

I love this!! Dominic is such a a lovely young man! Not only does this educate people about King Richard III but it also brings awareness about scoliosis!

[@maryg.249]

My mom is 81 and feisty as all get out...her back is just as curvy. She bore 5 children, raised us all with the same spirit of “I can”. She’s an incredible example to us and she never ever once complained about her back that I ever heard. She’s an amazing woman!

[@scattygirl1]

Completely fascinating about the medieval saddle helping Dominic more than the modern saddle.

[@denaleesdreams]

Dominic stepping right out of his comfort zone to take on this project was fantastic! This was a great video, because of Dominic and the others working so hard to recreate that moment of history!

[@andrewerntell4775]

Richard was a brave man. To don armour and fight on a battlefield with his restricted movement and physical strength took a lot of guts. He died a warrior.

[@anneis46]

Richard III was a jerk who had his nephews killed so he could be king.

[@feelsgoodman9751]

@@anneis46 You read 1 page of history and call him a jerk, you are the prime example of ignorance

[@stuarthallick417]

@@anneis46 you have no proof and if he did that's nothing compared to what other medieval king and queens did

[@Stettafire]

To be fair, well made armour shouldn't be all that restrictive don't forget the weight is distributed across your entire body

[@kamion53]

@@anneis46 the death of his nephews is commenly written on his acount by.....the ones that had everything to loose with them being alive... nl the Tudors. the powerstruggle between Yorks and Lancasters was also a struggle between the Neville family and the Woodville family, who were a kind of overnight mushrooms thanks to Edward IV. Richard had to move fast and thorough to eliminate them before they had to eliminate him. In fact he did not need his nephews dead, declaring them illigimate was enough, but Henry VII would have fought in vain when the princes reappeared alive and legimatised again. Henry had much trouble to surpress the Perkin Warbeck revolt. What would have happened when a real Edward V had reappeared. I think Richard killing his nephews is as Shakeperian as his withered arm.

[@kmgreves]

WOW Dominic has a dream come true with his role playing activities on the same field where the king was killed , he gets to reenact that .. lovely lad to go with the experiment ..

[@Jude74]

It looks like he really enjoyed himself.

[@colinp2238]

Now his re-enactment has elevated him to royalty, before he was a mere peasant lad but he became the king. Sounds like a parallel to Arthur.

[@karldeanalegre4528]

hope they let him keep the armor

[@colinp2238]

@Kandy Kandy The lad Dominic in his re-enactment role. You are becoming a right pain matey.

[@catherinespark]

@Kandy Kandy Troll :p *Nails up a 'DO NOT FEED'* sign

[@Isabella-nh5dm]

Dominic!!! What wonderful, kind, brave, and attractive young man you are. You have allowed these historians and researchers very 'public' access to your body to help them determine and in fact disprove so much about Richard III's physical capabilities. Being obviously a historian yourself this must have been such an exciting opportunity for you. Having said all of these things this must have been very difficult for you. As you stated, you have always been very concerned about how people 'may' view your severe scoliosis. Whether they look at you and 'see' deformity. It has been a very present issue in your life. You chose to put yourself completely in the public eye for this research and that, Dominic, is so brave of you! Richard would have been proud to have you 'beside' him on Bosworth Field.

[@afimaci]

This lad was born to become this. What a discipline, perseverence - fit for a king, and he has got talent as well. He is a full package together with the scoliosis! Amazing, work, I wish him to excel in everything he wants to do. And as many roles in films, documentaries, as he'd like!

[@cameleonfleuri]

I 100% agree! 👍

[@chrisosh9574]

Dominic is outstanding, I have over twenty years experience in Western reenactment riding as a cowboy or indian, fighting with various weapons and many people with a perfectly normal spine can't achieve what he has. Not to mention his contribution to the understanding of British history.

[@MONOKERUS-SSO]

I was really impressed by everything Dominic did up until he got up on the horse and then I was even more impressed. He could hit that target from a gallop after riding five times?! It was so fun to see his fearlessness on the horse even though he seemed quite nervous during his first ride. I've been working a lot with disabled riders but never one with scoliosis so it was very interesting to see how he moved on the horse!

[@RetroGameRepublic]

Wow, the similarity between Richard and Dominic physically is uncanny. Well done Dominic for getting involved with this investigation and helping to fill in more of the details of this fascinating story.

[@shananagans5]

Dominic's journey through this was the highlight of the show.

[@lizbrown7232]

His increase in confidence was obvious!

[@matthewkirby5394]

Dominic is a reincarnarion of Richard. To return to the same place , and be working on Bosworth Field is beyond coincidence.

[@gullwingstorm857]

This. ^

[@cameleonfleuri]

I thoughts the same! Way too much coincidences .

[@KB-es5he]

My thoughts too - The whole sequence of events are serendipity running riot. Love it

[@Jude74]

Dominick looks like he’s having a blast. This was a fun and informative watch.

[@officerbutton9532]

Scientists analyzing Richard's bones: This person consumed a lot of protein and essential minerals. Scientists analyzing my bones: This person consumed a lot of Ramen and Pepsi.

[@pink_alligator]

Damn. This is really the experiance of a lifetime for Dominic. I'm so happy for him

[@tanyab7318]

Fascinating documentary. And much respect for Dominic Smee!

[@gnostic268]

I had scoliosis, although much less serious than Richard's and Dominic's, and I find this fascinating! I also rode horses and had the same difficulty keeping my shoulders back and sitting is very hard on the spine and hips. Wish I'd had this medieval saddle. Modern isn't always best in every situation.

[@leanie9660]

Melody, you can get anything made if you are rich (like a royal duke)...sadly, we dreary "normals" must make do with generic supplies.

[@barbaradyson6951]

Melody, try and find a 2nd western saddle, not a Mexican saddle. Tremendous difference.

[@mariarebelo2928]

Melody Ysmay, try a second-hand or a new Portuguese bullfight saddle. I have used it, the back is not so high but it keeps you in the right position. Nowadays they are used in the bullfight, but they are exactly the same as the Medieval ones. Remember Portuguese bullfight ridding ( personally, I don't like bullfights ) but the riding is the same as a war ridding, meaning you CAN NOT fall from your horse when you are fighting. Trust me on this one, I've been horse riding since I was 7 years old and now I have 61 ( UPPPS, time fly, like in a charge). I have tried several kinds of saddles I think this kind of saddle will help you. They are still produced nowadays in Portugal and if you want I can give you the contact of a producer, but I am sure you will find them on the net. Best regards from a fellowship from Portugal.

[@ruthgoebel723]

I was just diagnosed with scoliosis yesterday and find this article coming very close to home. Dominick is very brave and in a wonderful position for re-enacting Richard III.

[@troyralph2816]

The "copious consumption" of wine and beer ( @45:25 ) was to probably required to numb the pain of arthritis in his back ( @5:30 ).

[@Brinta3]

Troy Ralph And the lack of safe drinking water. Everybody drank beer and wine because that was safer.

[@guinnberger9356]

*Troy Ralph* Also, Richard's wife and their only child had died not many years earlier. That might have added to his attempts to assuage his pain with food and drink.

[@653j521]

It would be interesting to know if Dominic was in pain.

[@erynlasgalen1949]

@@653j521 I have scoliosis to about half the degree Dominic does. In my twenties pain was not much of an issue. In my thirties and forties pain was occasional. Past sixty, it is the new normal. Dominic is young still. I would say Richard, especially with arthritic changes to his spine, was in some pain. But ironically, the pain lessens with strenuous activity, not to mention the distraction of a battle.

[@sheilaghbrosky]

@@erynlasgalen1949 It is ironic how exercise helps with arthritis pain. I've both knees replaced and physio was more effective post OP than medicine. Hope you are doing well.

[@fionnagrant6636]

I know the whole "A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!" Thing is fiction created by Shakespeare, but it really does fit well with Richard III being an amazing horseman and a force to be reckoned with while mounted, but struggling with his endurance more than other warriors on the ground. It's very apt even if he never said it. Once he was dismounted in battle and surrounded he was a dead man walking.

[@leanie5234]

I think that Shakespeare was implying that Richard was being a coward, asking for a horse so that he could escape. The Tudor propaganda machine would not have appreciated a play in which the hated "usurper" was requesting battle equipment in order to keep on fighting.

[@jamesrivis620]

An amazing documentaryI came away with a great admiration of Dominic especially.

[@karencawthorn3173]

Wow...I'm still watching Domonic....how freakin awesome has this journey been for him. A fan of Richard, a likeness to him & gets a custom suit of armour & battlefield classes. Man! That just awesome.

[@madyalvarez428]

Dominic is literally like Richard reborn???

[@martychisnall]

He even has similar facial features

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

If you believe in the possibility of reincarnation (which I do), this is a classic case study!

[@muffin6369]

OMG yeah if you want to be reborn as a usurping, murdering crimial. What is all this crap of this parade. THE DUDE MURDERED 2 young boys!!!! And don't say it was someone else. Means motive opportunity and I have read every book and Mancini's manuscript . A parade????

[@muffin6369]

Sorry but the parade thing was on one of the side videos and I just blew my stack. unreal!!

[@msinvincible2000]

@@muffin6369 Henry Tudor's mother had also the "Means motive opportunity" as you say

[@mrfester42]

Very impressive what this young man Dominick accomplished. I found myself rooting for him the whole way.

[@venumames6921]

Brave young man Dominique is

[@sirspamalot3]

@Jim Kwim how do you know friend

[@ahiparagmailcom]

Great Job Dominic. Three months training ...absolutely outstanding!

[@wonderwhy6133]

I've been watching Richard III documentation since yesterday, just loves it! Dominic, wow, you're a great man! I love watching your enthusiasm in helping this team of researcher. You're a good sport Dominic & RIP Richard III

[@TimberwolfC14]

Richard would start wearing armor from the age of 12. The armorer and smith would have made adjustments to Richards armor as needed so it would not have been an overnight job.

[@karencawthorn3173]

Domonic must have been fascinated with all the training & history he saw & did. Kudos Domonic!

[@nickcarpenter118]

Feel very proud of Dominick great work showing us all how King Richard would have fought.

[@alexhamilton4084]

I’m so pleased for Dominic. He’s a lucky guy and he deserves this experience. Wonderful stuff. 👍🏻

[@MomSherman]

Super interesting. I hope Dominic got to keep the armour...

[@shananika]

I hope so. Would be cool if he got to play Richard in those mock-battles.

[@jimtalbott9535]

This page might have information: facebook.com/TheDominicSmeeArmourFund/

[@ClassyCountryGirl630]

Thanks, Jim!

[@jimtalbott9535]

After seeing this, I PMd them on FB, and they replied! He DID get to keep the armor that was built for him. Pretty awesome.

[@ClassyCountryGirl630]

@Jim: That's great!! Dominic is truly an amazing and courageous fellow. They seem like lovely people.

[@taptapuyo2714]

But King Richard possibly had been training since childhood.

[@CelebratesensualEP]

That is my thought... Richard would have trained from toddlerhood and his lungs would have grown with his spine where Dominic is starting in his mid-twenties.

[@edcoke6769]

totally !!, many many year of training for battle..

[@MABFABEST]

Richard’s lifelong training/experience in fighting on horseback strengthens the belief that he was not disabled when it came to these things.

[@thechatteringmagpie]

I agree. Richard trained since childhood and riding almost everyday, would have been fitter than the average man alive today.

[@MsOtzelot]

@Ru22eLL You dont need that much force to inflict lethal blows with a sword, its about edge alignment and movement of the blade, sure he wouldnt stand a days lasting battle, but he fought mostly from horseback so its adding momentum to the blows and he would be fine for the most part engaging in skirmishes with his buddies. But i agree with you, on foot he will meet / has met his demise quickly since he was not physically able to outlast a healthy opponent or multiple of them.

[@rosemarie20]

Fantastic documentary. Bravo to Dominic on his brilliant accomplishments with his re-enactments, too. His parents must be so proud. The whole team is just fantastic from start to finish. They brought King Richard III to life for me. Bravo to all on a job well done!!

[@alanatolstad4824]

I'd love to know where Dominic went from here...it would be a tough act to follow, especially since they told us in the beginning that Dominic was unemployed. Wouldn't we all love a follow-up?!

[@rosemarie20]

@@alanatolstad4824 Most definitely. Dominic is a real inspiration. I feel so proud of him and have never met him. It was my honor just to watch him.

[@ClassyCountryGirl630]

I completely agree. :)

[@vanessaouyang1220]

Whilst there is no denying Dominic's very valuable contribution, this was a team effort, that could only be achieved by EVERYBODY working together.

[@rosemarie20]

@@vanessaouyang1220 No one said it wasn't a team effort.

[@SKYSAW59]

This is the perfect follow up to watching the full Richard lll discovery documentary! And finding Dominic, the Kings physical double, is mind blowing! Well done young King Dominic !!

[@Brinta3]

Dominic seems like a very nice guy. Loved this program. Thank you Dominic for helping these historians!

[@GS-xt8fu]

I am so pleased with this young man. It would have been difficult and at times frustrating and embarrassing. What a wonderful young man. Very blessed to have his help in this.

[@applejellypucci]

Dominic, you are an inspiration. Enjoyed this from beginning to end.

[@IMChrysalis]

Amazing young man, Dominic! Doing that well in such a short time...

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

How brave this young man was to risk injury to his condition doing this!

[@186687]

0

[@KristenK78]

It looks like if his health or well-being were ever in danger, they would have stopped. He’s not here to be your inspiration. He’s clearly living life just fine.

[@TortugaLuv]

This is the story of a young mans transformation into the hero England needs.

[@kimberlyferguson7264]

WOW what an undertaking! This entire series is surreal. The X-rays, similarities, fittings, training, challenges, etc. You definitely have found a treasure in Dominic.

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

Dominic is FANTASTIC ! ! This is just as awesome to watch as the first time I saw it; the string of coincidences fits in with the rest of the story of the scientists and other experts. I can still well remember watching a local lady who promoted reading, who was interviewing a lady who was one of my favorite authors, and she mentioned "The Daughter of Time." So I got that book, and the cover had the same picture of King Richard III that's in the video; it's the only real image we have of him. It was around 5 or 6 years before Richard's body was found. So, to see this show was tremendously satisfying; especially since new scholarship has cast light on the possibility that Shakespeare's play may have successfully diverted popular history away from the truth about the deaths of the two princes, Richard's nephews. It's well known that Henry VII industriously smeared Richard's reputation, and so did most writers of the time, notably Thomas More and Shakespeare. But half a millenium has passed. We have gotten a time capsule by finding the body of Richard III, but we just aren't very likely to find the killer, who would probably have been careful about keeping his monstrous deed a secret. Still, watching this is just wonderful; to miraculously find a doppelganger for the famously deformed king, and then take the time and money to train him in the historical martial arts, and to equip him with a custom fit suit of plate armor, is just fabulous. And I have to commend the British for deciding to go to all the time and expense of training and equiping Dominic; there might not have been another suitable volunteer with the exact same scoliosis for years, maybe decades. It wasn't just fortunate for making this show, it proved beyond doubt that Richard could have been a formidable warrior. Dominic trained for 3 months; Richard had 30 years of experience. This video is a great way to spend an hour; make yourself a beverage, get a comfortable chair, and enjoy.

[@Rwthless1]

Really brave of Dominic. It's clear that Richard was ruthlessly drilled by the Seargent at arms in Middleham Castle under the aegis of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick (The Kingmaker).He worked hard tokeep up with his brothers, Edward and George.

[@clayguy1]

How many would have failed in achieving what Dominic Smee achieved in this amazing quest.. So very proud of him..and his courage to put himself out there to possibly fail.. but instead, triumphed..

[@gavinhill4121]

What a brave guy to do this.

[@eleni1968]

Thank you Dominic Smee for identifying yourself to MDs, historians and scholars. I think its great that you are a history buff especially since you work for the organization that stages the reenactment at Bosworth Field. In disciplining yourself for the training to replicate and help scholars and historians answer some longstanding Qs about the validity of Richard lll's performance of his final battle . I'd like to think the spirit of Richard lll worked through Dominic to make this possible.

[@B3NN10N]

What a great volunteer! Hats off to you sir!

[@joanmarshall6861]

Well done Dominic, and those wonderful, talented men. But don't forget. King Richard started his training very, very young. It was a way of life for him. He would have been a great King, if he had lived. I have always been a great believer in him. So glad he has been found, and given a proper burial at Leicester. Many thanks Phillipa8

[@mwabakimbleamy]

This was a very fascinating documentary. Bravo Dominic Smee you are a real champion.

[@sharonott7513]

This is incredibly amazing. Dominic you are a true hero in bringing history to life.

[@twilightingX]

What an amazing young man Dominic is.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Fascinating to watch and then the realisation that Richard lll was probably very capable and supremely good on horse back, helped by his medieval saddle 👍🏻 and maybe armour!

[@ejensen1050]

Wow that guy is a natural when it comes to riding!

[@oracleofraelor9141]

WOW... Dominic Smee!! Im impresed by your dedication and I enjoyed your video.

[@marleybedford8628]

Many others and myself included feel and express great gratitude to Dominique for being such a generously accommodating young man. What an excellent show. Gave me goosebumps. Especially for Dominique’s success.

[@richardevppro3980]

Amazing and a massive thank you to the guy who played Richard 3rd ( Dominique ) thank you all

[@batmanneedssome200]

43:51: who knew travelodge was that ancient

[@GreatGreebo]

batmanneedssome200 🤣

[@rosie121000]

👏👏👏👏 Dominic you are a Star .

[@metime4325]

Imagine... your car parked over King Richard.

[@Stormlaughter]

Absolutely amazing. What a project! Good on Dominic! And who's to say he's not King Richard born over again? :)

[@ingriddubbel8468]

Good on Dominic? Its, good for Dominic.

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Truly amazing young man this Dominic. Hope he continues with the medieval reenacting he seems well suited to it.

[@shannonorielly4239]

Can you imagine finding the King of England under a bloody parking lot? That alone would shock the English throne. 🇨🇦🕊🌷

[@tehbonehead]

Ahem.... parKING lot.

[@stuarthallick417]

Parking lot It's a car park

[@georgiewalker1069]

Fascinating documentary. What a champ this young man is. An amazing journey for him and the team. Totally captivating. Thank you from South Africa 🇿🇦👏🏻💫

[@KmRessler]

I've been riding for damn near 20 years and I'll be honest...Dominic Smee has a really good seat and his leg is pretty solid for only 5 riding lessons. He's gonna be sore as hell though when this is all over.

[@d.j.vermontcontstruction6357]

Plot twist. Dominic is Richards desendant.

[@user-bj3jn1sq7y]

How lucky were they to find Dominic for this experiment! And from never having ridden a horse to charging in full armour - great job Dominic

[@helanesteinmuller9279]

Bravo Dominic! What an extraordinary young man. He stands proud amongst kings.

[@meganw.4457]

Ok, Richard was raised in a royal household, and would have begun learning to ride and fight at a young age. His muscles would've built up around his scoliosis. Taking someone off the street who obviously doesn't do a lot of physical activity isn't very accurate, "training" notwithstanding. Richard would have been training in armor, too, not just popping it on for a demo. From what I've read, he was pretty keen on proving he was capable on the battlefield. So I imagine someone who didn't acknowledge any deficits, although he probably suffered some considerable pain at times. He would have been completely used to the weight of his armor, and would have learned to compensate for any lacks in range of motion when fighting, to the best of his ability. So I don't think anyone would have seen the slightest issue, except he simply didn't have the power of a lot of weight behind his blows.

[@colinp2238]

The comment about being riddled with worm is irrelevant as most of the people those days would have had the same problem.

[@vanessaouyang1220]

@@colinp2238 : But Dominic didn't. And, whilst Dominic wasn't so physically fit, he DOES have the advantage of a more advanced medical system

[@lizbrown7232]

I believe I read recently that Richard 's scoliosis developed when he was about 12...?

[@jeanatwood1421]

I admire Dominic for going through all this for science. His endurance is amazing!

[@jasonmason2471]

This gives new meaning to " a horse, a horse, a kingdom for a horse!" Richard would have been a formidable opponent on his horse, on foot though not so much. Thank you Dominique for showing this so clearly.

[@avril4421]

Wonderful documentary. Well done Dominic, how incredible all the coincidences in your exciting journey, and so brave to tackle this huge task.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Hope Dominic received his full Kit of armor and weapons so he can go to be a knight in enactments. He is a natural athlete!

[@mikki3961]

Excellent and wow Dominick very impressive!

[@LQOTW]

Well done, Dominic Smee! Vivat!

[@pinklady3885]

Dominic is a very gritty man. He shows a lot of strength of character.

[@grimsmith1]

REspect to Dominic! It can't be easy even living with a physical holdback such as his, but he went for it anyway! He re-enacts, and even trained up for this! Good on you young man! Spirit of old England!

[@Shelbkip]

My family had figured out a year ago that Richard is in fact a cousin of ours. To me-- he is my 1st cousin 20x removed. Really fascinating watching documentaries about such a prominent member of history and our family.

[@justpassingthrough9887]

What an amazing opportunity for Dominic!! I hope he was able to keep his armor and weapons.... After all... each item was built for him and the scientists and historians alike will be forever indebted to him and his bravery to step forward and offer up himself. BRAVO DOMINIC SMEE!!

[@christineingram55]

I really enjoyed this,he’s a brave lad ,I am so pleased he enjoyed himself so much..King Richard is my favourite king,loved him since reading about him in history..I guess the good bad guy thing 😀..So pleased too that his body has finally been found,and more has been found out about him through science 😀

[@mackaylacook148]

@Kandy Kandy there were worse kings than him

[@allymac1314]

Top lad! He must've had a ball training for all that.

[@scattygirl1]

Dominic's a feckin' hero. I hope future history books that quote doctors and historians on Richard's freshly understood condition will mention Dominic by name as well. They couldn't have done it without him.

[@remc70]

Being that King Richard had this problem all of his life, he had time to learn and adjust to it along with battle tactics.

[@jasonmason2471]

No, he developped scoliosis at the age of about ten. His dismay must have been gutwrentching, given that abnormalities were usually regarded as devine punishments or satanic interventions in medieval times. And his opponent was a tall, athletic and vigourous man.

[@iamfreebgm8856]

Time team actually did a dig at the mentioned site, and found it was indeed the true field of the battle of boswell.

[@SSK9s]

This was really amazing... Thank you... from Grafton,, NSW Australia

[@mackaylacook148]

Dude I'm from NSW too, used to live near Coffs

[@MrDaveFisher]

Dominic is an absolute STAR!

[@berniecarter2052]

A riveting watch. Possibly the best Richard III documentary I've seen. Well worth an hour!

[@kennethchitty6444]

Well Done Dominic Smee!!!! Well Done ...