English King Richard III's face revealed for first time in 500 years

The face of England's king Richard III was revealed for the first time in more than 500 years today following a reconstruction of his skeleton found underneath a car park. PIC INSIDE

The face of England's king Richard III was revealed for the first time in more than 500 years on Tuesday following a reconstruction of his skeleton found underneath a carpark.

A-handout-picture-released-from-the-University-of-Leicester-shows-the-full-skull-of-the-skeleton-of-the-English-King-Richard-III-found-at-the-Grey-Friars-Church-excavation-site-in-Leicester-AFP-photo

A three-dimensional plastic model has been made from the skull of the king, who was killed in 1485 after just two years on the throne but lived on as one of history's worst villains in the eponymous play by William Shakespeare.

Researchers hope the discovery of his remains under a carpark in the central English city of Leicester, complete with the twisted spine of folklore, will lead to a rehabilitation of his reputation.

And many believe the image of his face, until now only depicted in paintings, will be key to this.

"It's an interesting face, younger and fuller than we have been used to seeing, less careworn, and with the hint of a smile," said Phil Stone, chairman of the Richard III Society.

Philippa Langley, originator of the "Looking for Richard" project, with a facial reconstruction of the English King Richard III at a news conference in central London. Reuters