First Person: Dominic Shellard - Reflecting on a momentous time in the city

Momentous things have been happening over the past couple of weeks that have had international resonance. First, of course, was the extraordinary story of the remains of Richard III being discovered in a city council car park.

I have written a book for the British Library on Shakespeare's life, I am editing a special edition of the international journal Shakespeare for Routledge called Shakespeare and Japan and I teach Shakespeare at De Montfort University.

As the story of the skeleton in the car park revealed itself, I was thinking about the degree to which this significant discovery might necessitate a re-write of my lectures.

But I found it particularly interesting those with long-held claims that Shakespeare's depiction of Richard III was part of a Tudor propaganda campaign may have to revise that notion on the basis that the skeleton bears evidence of scoliosis.

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There is much work to be done by those who are hoping to rewrite Richard III's history and restore his reputation. I fear whatever evidence they put before us, it will struggle to compete with the compelling vitality of Shakespeare's villain, whether it is historically accurate or not.

However, Richard III is deserving of a decent burial and I am so pleased this will happen in Leicester Cathedral.

I am equally pleased for the University of Leicester, and Phillipa Langley, of the Richard III Society, who showed such magnificent teamwork to break news that was seen around the globe. It is also a real credit to the leadership of the university's vice-chancellor, Sir Bob Burgess.

On the topic of leadership, another great thing to happen was the vote on equal marriage. I find it a strange thing to say, but I want to give credit to David Cameron for his leadership skills. He has risked dividing his party for a point of principle he evidently feels strongly about.

Finally, an important event happened in Beijing last week when I signed an agreement to open a Confucius Institute at the heart of the De Montfort campus. Confucius Institutes are public institutions which aim to promote Chinese language and culture, support Chinese teaching and facilitate cultural exchanges.

This will further strengthen our links with China. The benefits to our students and staff, as well as residents, the business community and the Leicestershire economy, will be tangible.

We will stage cultural and educational events, teach Chinese and, I have no doubt, attract more business to Leicester from China.

Follow Professor Dominic Shellard, vice-chancellor of De Montfort University, on Twitter @dmuvc