Scientists discovered a "coffin within a coffin" near the final resting place of Richard III.
The medieval stone coffin, found near the Grey Friars site where Richard III was discovered in September, contained an inner lead coffin, a University of Leicester press release reported.
This was the only complete coffin found in the area; it was believed to contain the body of a medieval friary founder or monk. Whoever was buried there was most likely of a high status.
Theories include: Peter Swynsfeld, a leader of the English Grey Friars who died in 1272. It also could have been William of Nottingham, who passed away in 1330, or "'a knight called Mutton, sometime mayor of Leicester." Sir William de Moton of Peckleton, a 14th century knight, is another possibility.
Researchers will need to conduct further tests before opening the inner lead coffin.
Eight people lifted the six foot, 11 inch, coffin out of the ground.
"The stone coffin was always the big thing we wanted to investigate during this dig. For me, it was as exciting as finding Richard III. We still don't know who is inside - so there is still a question mark over it," Grey Friars site director Mathew Morris, of the University of Leicester Archaeological Services, said. "None of us in the team have ever seen a lead coffin within a stone coffin before. We will now need to work out how to open it safely, as we don't want to damage the contents when we are opening the lid."
Richard III was the Last King of the House of York, he had a short reign from 1483 to 1485. The king was killed during the War of Roses, and was buried as his predecessor Henry Tudor took the throne, Discovery News reported.
Richard III was demonized both by the Tudors and a Shakespeare play, he was believed to have had his nephews killed, who were first in line to the throne.
