Torquay Museum
Posted August 26th, 2008 by phl.costelloe
Location:
529 Babbacombe RoadLocation:
TorquayLocation:
DevonLocation:
TQ1 1HGTelephone:
01803 293975 Museum Website:
Museums WebsiteFunding Organisation:
Local Authority, Admission Fees, Grants and Independent SourcesYLM Questionnaire Completed:
YesComment:
HR On Display:
YesHR Count:
335HR Count Pre-Christian:
234How many human remains are in its collection, and how many of those are of ancient British provenance:
The museum holds approximately 335 human remains in archaeology and ethnographic collections. 94 of these belong to late Roman Christian era burial. The remainder are a mixture of Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic (some cremated), Bronze Age, Romano-Brtish and possibly medieval. 7 are Ancient Egyptian. There are still remains being documented.
How many of these human remains are well documented, with clear context of date and place of exhumation?:
Approximately 99% are well documented.
Where there are human remains in store, is there a history of use?:
If they have been used in the last 15 years, there is documented history of their use.
Where there are human remains in store, is there potential for use, in display, education or scientific analysis?:
Yes, there is great potential here. Kent's Cavern, Broadsands, Cow Cave, Hook Hills and Roccombe, have all been worked on and published in the last decade.
Does the museum have a disposal policy, and is it including HR with negligible potential in its discussions about disposal?:
Yes, the museum refers to ethical guidelines on the disposal of human remains.
What sources of information about these human remains are in the public domain and where?:
Many of the human remains are published, most in proceedings of Devon Archaeological Society or Torquay Museum Society transactions. The museum's goal is to publish information on all important holdings.
Are any of these remains currently on display and in what context?:
Yes, KC4 - Britain's oldest modern human remain is in a modern display with much interpretation. Also on display is a Bronze Age skull from Kent's Cavern and Egyptian mummies.
Does the museum hold any iconic HR, i.e. figures of local or national importance, and are these on display?:
KC4 is iconic. Kent's Cavern cut marked ulna is undergoing research in Oxford and the Natural History Museum in London. Hook Hills Late Roman Burial is in storage.