Event: Doctors, Dissection and Resurrection Men Exhibition
Location: Museum of London, EC2
Explore the early 19th century history of dissection and trade in dead bodies at the Museum of London exhibition of finds from the excavation of a London hospital.
In 2006 archaeologists from the museum excavated a burial ground at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, East London, and discovered 262 burials with a mix of bones showing evidence of dissection, amputation and autopsy and teaching aids.
The finds give an insight into early 19th century dissection and trade in dead bodies and the shadowy relationship between surgeons working in anatomical study and the ‘resurrection men’ who supplied corpses for dissection.
Tickets to the exhibition are by timed entry, and pre-booking is recommended by the museum during weekends and public holidays. There is a special Halloween late opening event (for adults only) on 31 October.
NB. Because of its subject matter the exhibition is not recommended for children under the age of 12. The museum’s permanent exhibits are suitable for all ages, however, and they run many activities and events for children).