Folkestone Museum’s display of an Anglo-Saxon skeleton has sparked debate about the ethics of exhibiting human remains. Museum manager Coralie Clover argues that the skeleton, unearthed in 1908 from a cemetery on the hill above the town, helps visitors connect with the past. She notes that while remains taken by colonial powers should be repatriated, this local skeleton has become a beloved educational tool, inspiring at least one person to become an archaeologist.
The skeleton, belonging to an Anglo-Saxon woman, was part of a larger excavation. The other skeletons were collected in a tea chest and reburied, a practice Clover considers less respectful than continued display and research. Through detailed storytelling and scientific study, the museum aims to honour her memory and foster empathy with ancient peoples.
Clover also highlights the scientific value of retaining the remains. As techniques improve, the skeleton’s DNA is now part of a major study, contributing to knowledge of the Anglo-Saxon era. Reburial, she warns, would forfeit future insights into the woman and her community. The museum’s approach, she concludes, balances respect with the benefits of ongoing research and public engagement.
