Which human remains are held in UK museums
Institutions including the Natural History Museum and Cambridge University hold more than 263,000 human remains, Guardian investigation finds
TL;DR
- 241 UK museums, universities, and local authorities hold over 263,228 items of human remains.
- The true figure is likely higher due to incomplete cataloguing and record gaps.
- The Natural History Museum in London holds the largest collection, estimated at 27,500 individuals.
- Many remains were acquired unethically, including through duress, deceit, unlawful removal, and even murder during colonial times.
- Section 47 of the Human Tissue Act allows for the removal of human remains from certain national museums under specific conditions.