Thirsk Museum

70 Barton Street
Thirsk
North Yorkshire
YO7 1PQ

01845527707
Website: http://www.thirskmuseum.org/

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?:

Seven individuals have been identified, from early sixth century AngloSaxon burials, the remains having been disturbed on the building of the eleventh century Norman castle, but the graves were not robbed.

Total: 7

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

All are well documented. The excavation was done by MAP Archaeological Co on behalf of English Heritage before the installation of a substation by Northern Electric on listed Castle Earth.

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?

Yes.

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

Yes. However, there is no intention or discussion of disposing of any elements of the collection which in held in trust for perpetuity.

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

The full report on Thirsk Castle is dig number SAM 20454, published 1995, and submitted to English Heritage from whom it can be accessed by all interested parties.

Does the museum have ancestors (human remains) on display?:Yes

Yes, as part of a display documenting and illustrating the 1994 discovery on Castle Earth. The remains on display are of an incomplete skeleton, known to be from one individual of an unusual height. They are protected by a curtain that conceals them from open view. The display is felt to be an important factor in understanding the early history of the local community.

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 complete skeletons survived the building of the motte and bailey castle in the eleventh century.

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:

10 October, 2010