An annual poll has revealed that Richard 111 remains the most fascinating figure in the eyes of historians and the public.

The Guardian reports that the BBC History Magazine History Hot 100 puts Richard at number one for the second year running.

This may partly be helped by the discovery of his remains in a council car park in Leicester in 2012.

The Guardian says that this reignited interest in a king whose reputation as a “deformed sadist burns enduringly bright because of Shakespeare.”

His reburial in Leicester Cathedral was broadcast live on TV in March last year.

Robert Attar, BBC History Magazine’s editor, said: “He is someone who fascinates people and is the only king that I know of who has several societies dedicated to him. Richard also divides people like few others.”

A selection of headlines from stories in the news. They use English in a way that you might think is intended to confuse but it's all perfectly clear to the native speaker.

News Round Up

by Patrick O'Connor

INTERESTING theory put forward this week by the former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Heseltine that British people may be so wealthy that they lack the 'national will' needed to secure an economic recovery,.

Lord Heseltine told The Independent said that one theory why Britain's growth was sluggish compared with India and China was because – unlike the UK – those countries had 'real problems'.