Philippa Langley's groundbreaking discovery of King Richard III's remains has been overshadowed by the University of Leicester's handling of the situation, according to Steve Coogan in his documentary "The Lost King". Fifteen years ago, Langley embarked on a mission that seemed impossible - finding the lost king's bones after over 500 years. Despite being dismissed as an amateur and lacking formal qualifications, she persevered with her research and, ultimately, succeeded in her quest.
Coogan praises Langley's determination and integrity, noting that he met her and was impressed by her vulnerability despite struggling with ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) and other health issues. However, the documentary also highlights the University of Leicester's behavior during this period. The institution's former deputy registrar, Richard Taylor, took issue with the film, stating that Langley had to be isolated from university staff due to her condition.
The documentary portrays Taylor as having created a firewall between himself and Langley, effectively silencing her in the public eye. This portrayal sparked debate about the University of Leicester's actions during this time. Coogan believes there should be an inquiry into the matter, allowing for a detailed examination of Taylor's behavior and that of the institution.
In contrast to the University's attempts to downplay Langley's role in finding Richard III's remains, Coogan asserts that their version of events - portraying her as an amateur who stumbled upon the discovery - is inaccurate. He argues that Langley was the driving force behind the search and that she raised funds to ensure its continuation.
Coogan emphasizes that "The Lost King" provides a platform for Langley's story to be told, highlighting her crowning achievement and celebrating her determination in the face of adversity. The documentary is now available, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about this remarkable tale and the role played by Philippa Langley.
Coogan praises Langley's determination and integrity, noting that he met her and was impressed by her vulnerability despite struggling with ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) and other health issues. However, the documentary also highlights the University of Leicester's behavior during this period. The institution's former deputy registrar, Richard Taylor, took issue with the film, stating that Langley had to be isolated from university staff due to her condition.
The documentary portrays Taylor as having created a firewall between himself and Langley, effectively silencing her in the public eye. This portrayal sparked debate about the University of Leicester's actions during this time. Coogan believes there should be an inquiry into the matter, allowing for a detailed examination of Taylor's behavior and that of the institution.
In contrast to the University's attempts to downplay Langley's role in finding Richard III's remains, Coogan asserts that their version of events - portraying her as an amateur who stumbled upon the discovery - is inaccurate. He argues that Langley was the driving force behind the search and that she raised funds to ensure its continuation.
Coogan emphasizes that "The Lost King" provides a platform for Langley's story to be told, highlighting her crowning achievement and celebrating her determination in the face of adversity. The documentary is now available, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about this remarkable tale and the role played by Philippa Langley.
I think it's super important that we're still talking about Philpippa Langley 15 years later. Her dedication & perseverance are real inspirations 
. The way she faced health issues like ME & kept going is honestly admirable 
. It's also kinda concerning that the Uni Leicester had to isolate her from staff due to her condition 
. I'm glad Coogan's documentary sheds more light on this & maybe sparks a conversation about what happened 
. Langley's story deserves more recognition, not just for finding Richard III's bones but for being an awesome human being 
.
. I think it's time we started giving credit where credit is due and having a proper inquiry into what went down at the University of Leicester 
. It's not fair to just sweep this under the rug and pretend Phila wasn't the real hero here 
. Like, 15 years ago? It's not like they're trying to erase history now 
. And yeah, Steve Coogan is right on point - Langley was the one who actually found the king's remains and kept going despite everyone doubting her 
. I mean, she had ME and all these other health issues, but still managed to keep her head down and keep searching 
. And Taylor's behavior? Yeah, that's some shady stuff right there 
.
. And I'm glad that "The Lost King" doc is out - it's definitely given me a new perspective on this whole thing 
.
I think it's super important that we acknowledge Philppea Langley's incredible contribution to finding King Richard III's remains. It's crazy that she got dismissed as an amateur and had to deal with people not taking her seriously because of her health issues 
. I think it's time for an inquiry into what went down and how Langley was treated during that time. It's only right that we give credit to this woman who dedicated her life to finding this lost piece of history 
. Coogan's documentary is a great way to share Langley's story and let the world see just how amazing she is 
!
I mean, can you blame Phil for being frustrated with the Uni's drama? Like, 15 years of her life dedicated to finding Richard III's remains and what does she get? Being isolated from staff because of her health issues 
. The documentary seems like a must-watch for anyone interested in history or just want to see an inspiring story of perseverance 
and i feel bad for her struggling with me and all the other health issues - it's just crazy how much determination and integrity she had.
. and coogan does her so justice in this documentary, celebrating her determination in the face of adversity 
. I mean, come on, they basically isolated her from the team due to her health issues and then tried to downplay her role in finding Richard III's remains? That's just not cool 
.