Voice of Richard III re-created from his skeleton discovery

In 2012, Richard III's skeleton was discovered buried beneath a parking lot in England, sparking significant public interest and laying the groundwork for advancements in historical vocal reconstruction. Yvonne Morley-Chisholm, a voice coach and vocal profiler, found the discovery transformative. During a retreat in 2014, she began investigating how the physical remains could inform the understanding of the voice of the late king. The research revealed key insights into the characteristics of his voice, including evidence that he likely possessed a medieval Yorkshire accent, distinguishing him from the typical upper-class speech of his time. The analysis was further supported by examining a living individual with a similar condition to Richard III's scoliosis, underscoring that such physical differences did not significantly influence breath support or vocal production. Morley-Chisholm dedicated a decade to this project, seeking the right facial proportions to reconstruct Richard III's appearance from the analysis of the skeletal remains. After extensive searching, she finally identified a suitable model earlier this year, prompting emotional responses from individuals experiencing the voice and likeness of a historical figure. This work aims to enhance public understanding of Richard III as an individual, beyond the Shakespearean portrayal, shedding light on how his voice carried implications of his personality and communication style. Enthusiastic responses have led to requests for reconstructions of other historical figures, including Mary, Queen of Scots, and composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Morley-Chisholm's innovative exploration bridges historical inquiry, vocal science, and public engagement, enriching the representation of rich historical narratives.