National Army Museum

Posted August 26th, 2008 by phl.costelloe
Location: 
Royal Hospital Road
Location: 
Chelsea
Location: 
London
Location: 
SW3 4HT
Funding Organisation: 
Funded through Grant-in-Aid, sponsored by the Ministry of Defence
YLM Questionnaire Completed: 
Yes
Comment: 
Disposal Policy: 
Yes
HR On Display: 
Yes
HR Count: 
2
HR Count Pre-Christian: 
0
Iconic HR: 
No
How many human remains are in its collection, and how many of those are of ancient British provenance: 
2 groups of bones, 2 preserved amputated limbs (fingers and toes, preserved in spirit). A few items are currently identified as animal but may be human. None are of ancient British origin or Pagan origin.
How many of these human remains are well documented, with clear context of date and place of exhumation?: 
Those items described above are fully documented with either exhumation or amputation information.
Where there are human remains in store, is there a history of use?: 
The fingers are on display and have been for some years, and the toes have been lent to another museum.
Where there are human remains in store, is there potential for use, in display, education or scientific analysis?: 
The bones are in storage but are available to researchers (as with all National Army Museum Collections), and may be used for display or lent to other museums.
Does the museum have a disposal policy, and is it including HR with negligible potential in its discussions about disposal?: 
The Museum has an Acquisition and Disposal Policy (on the National Army Museum website). Any human remains in a poor condition, undisplayable or a health & safety hazard, might be considered for disposal. However, no disposal of human remains has yet been contemplated or is likely to be contemplated in the near future.
What sources of information about these human remains are in the public domain and where?: 
Information on the human remains is available to any person making an enquiry about the Museum’s holdings, through our normal channels.
Are any of these remains currently on display and in what context?: 
The fingers are on display and have been for some time, the other remains are not.
What is your opinion, and that of other Pagans or local community, of this display?: 
There is no reason to consult Pagans about this display – the person who donated his fingers is happy with the display.
Does the museum hold any iconic HR, i.e. figures of local or national importance, and are these on display?: 
None