Archaeologists discovered the bones of an elderly woman in a lead coffin . Coffin was within a stone sarcophagus just feet from Richard III 's grave . They were found under a car park that was the site of Grey Friars church . The lead coffin was inlaid with a crucifix and buried close to the high altar . Analysis suggests the woman had enjoyed a diet high in sea fish and meat . Comment: She was probably a wealthy benefactor of the friary when it was first built . Experts say she may have been Emma Holt from Nevill Holt , Leicestershire . Praying for Emma Holt 's soul was said to cut time in purgatory by 30 days .
Archaeologists discovered the bones of an elderly woman in a lead coffin . Coffin was within a stone sarcophagus just feet from Richard III 's grave . They were found under a car park that was the site of Grey Friars church . The lead coffin was inlaid with a crucifix and buried close to the high altar . Analysis suggests the woman had enjoyed a diet high in sea fish and meat . She probably died around 1250 - 200 years before Richard III died in battle . She was probably a wealthy benefactor of the friary when it was first built . Experts say she may have been Emma Holt from Nevill Holt , Leicestershire . Praying for Emma Holt 's soul was said to cut time in purgatory by 30 days .