Consultation on the future of human remains in Avebury museum

English Heritage and The National Trust have jointly launched a consultation on the future of prehistoric human remains that were excavated from sites in their care around Avebury, Wiltshire, and are now kept in the Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury.

In 2006, Paul Davies, Reburial Officer, Council of British Druid Orders (CoBDO), wrote on behalf of CoBDO to request the reburial of these remains. English Heritage and the National Trust have been considering this request using a process recommended by DCMS, which will determine the future of this important bone collection dating back to 2,000 - 3,700 BC.

Organisations and members of the public are invited to comment on a draft report compiled by English Heritage and The National Trust over the last 18 months, outlining their initial findings and views on issues including the relationship between CoBDO and the human remains, the cultural, spiritual and religious significance of the remains and their scientific, educational and historic value.

They are also invited to give their views on options which include: reburial in a way which makes the remains unavailable for further examination; reburial in a way which ensures that the remains are still available for future examination; and retention in the Museum in a way which shows respect for CoBDO’s beliefs, for example for by providing access for ceremonies.

Dr Sebastian Payne, Chief Scientist at English Heritage, said: “This request raises sensitive and important issues about religious beliefs surrounding human remains, and the value of these remains in telling us about our shared past.  It is likely to set a precedent for treating other similar requests.  Avebury is also a World Heritage Site.  We need to consult widely to decide on the best way forward.”

All the relevant consultation papers and a questionnaire are available from http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/aveburyreburialconsultation and http://www.thenationaltrust.org.uk/remains. The deadline for the consultation is 31st January 2009.