YLM Database

Bethlem Royal Hospital Museum

The Bethlem Royal Hospital
Monks Orchard Road
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 3 BX

02032284227
Website: http://www.bethlemheritage.org.uk/

Parent Organisation:
Funded by:

Charitable Trust

YLM Entry Submitted: Yes
Comments:

How many human remains are in its collection, and how many of those are of ancient British provenance, pre-Christian or in other way Pagan?:

The museum holds a box that is made of wood, iron restraints and human jaw and leg bones.

Total: 1

How many of these human remains are well documented, with clear context of date and place of exhumation?:

There is full documentation about these remains.

Where there are ancestors in store, is there a history of use?:

Yes

Where there are ancestors in store, is there potential for use, in display, education or scientific analysis?

No

Does the museum have a disposal policy, and is it including HR with negligible potential in its discussions about disposal?:Yes

Yes, the museum’s disposal policy includes mention of human remains.

What sources of information about these human remains are in the public domain and where?:

The box was excavated in the 19th century, near the old Bethlem burial ground. It is thought to have been created in the middle of that century. Information about it can be accessed from the museum, but there is no information otherwise in the public domain; the item is not considered of particular interest.

Does the museum have ancestors (human remains) on display?:No

Does the museum hold any iconic ancestors, ie. complete skeletons with a well documented story, or those considered of national or local importance, and are these on display?:

No

Has the museum used or considered using replicas in displays? If not, why not and what would you find useful in moving to these? If you have, what response did these receive?:

Documents:

5 October, 2010