Hastings Museum and Art Gallery
Posted August 26th, 2008 by phl.costelloe
Location:
Bohemia RoadLocation:
HastingsLocation:
East SussexLocation:
TN34 1ETTelephone:
01424 451052Museum Website:
Museums websiteFunding Organisation:
Local AuthorityYLM Questionnaire Completed:
YesComment:
Disposal Policy:
YesHR Count:
23HR Count Pre-Christian:
3How many human remains are in its collection, and how many of those are of ancient British provenance:
The museum has 20 boxes of Christian burials and 3 skulls of uncertain origin, thought to be possibly Iron Age.
How many of these human remains are well documented, with clear context of date and place of exhumation?:
The Christian burials, from excavations in the 1970s and 80s, are well documented. The three skulls, which are from an early twentieth century building works, are not so.
Where there are human remains in store, is there a history of use?:
Yes, for some.
Where there are human remains in store, is there potential for use, in display, education or scientific analysis?:
Possibly.
Does the museum have a disposal policy, and is it including HR with negligible potential in its discussions about disposal?:
Yes, there is a disposal policy, but it does not currently include guidance about human remains.
What sources of information about these human remains are in the public domain and where?:
The excavation reports are published.
Are any of these remains currently on display and in what context?:
The three possibly Iron Age skulls are on display in a case about a local hillfort.
What is your opinion, and that of other Pagans or local community, of this display?:
There have been no comments made to the museum in the ten years of the display being in situ.
Does the museum hold any iconic HR, i.e. figures of local or national importance, and are these on display?:
No.