City leaders in York are to write to the Queen in a bid to get Richard III’s remains returned to his ‘spiritual home’, it has emerged.

Experts say historic evidence suggests he wanted to be buried in York Minster, and not Leicester where his remains were found near the site of his death in battle.

Kersten England, chief executive of City of York Council, said: “Richard III had – as now – very strong support in the city.

“His self-identification with the north and York is reflected in his plans for a chantry of 100 priests in York Minster where he wished to be buried.

“That the burial site of this Yorkist king was determined by where he died from battle wounds makes the importance of adhering to his own wishes for his final resting place most important.

“City of York Council and all its political leaders are united in the belief that York is the most fitting burial place for Richard III, one of the city’s most famous and cherished sons.

“To this end, we will be writing a letter of representation to the Ministry of Justice and the Crown to invite their consideration of the views of Richard of York’s own people.”

Richard, the last monarch of the House of York, grew up at Middleham Castle in the Yorkshire Dales and visited York several times during his 26-month reign.

Known as Richard of York before his coronation, he also funded part of the city’s medieval gated walls.

The monarch’s links with the area are celebrated to this day, with a Richard III Hotel in Middleham, a Yorkshire-made Richard III Wensleydale cheese and a Richard III Museum in York.