History and Memory: Richard III and Leicester City (and British Football)

So Leicester City won the British Premier League title, which is very exciting for people it excites! I noted in the preview last weekend in the New York Times that there’s an interesting touch of history and nostalgia in their narrative:

April 4, 2015 Sitting in last place with nine games to go, it seems certain that the Foxes will be relegated to the second-tier Championship. Yet a week after King Richard III’s remains are reinterred in Leicester, the team beats West Ham United on a goal by a player named King (Andy, in this case). It is a harbinger, fans now say, as Leicester goes on to win seven of its final nine games and ensure its return to the Premier League.

This year’s title is probably the greatest victory for Richard III in history.

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