Destructive sampling

However, our skeletal collections are an irreplaceable resource, and we are committed to protecting their long-term research potential. Therefore, applications to perform destructive analysis will be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis by staff from the Centre for Human Bioarchaeology and the Museum of London's Human Remains Committee.

See a list of previous research and publications based on the samples we curate.

Destructive testing will not be permitted if there is reason to believe that the data sought cannot be reliably obtained from our collections (e.g. the technique is not sufficiently well known to consistently produce satisfactory results), or the specimen is known to be unsuitable for sampling. The Museum of London's collections should not be first choice if other comparable material is available.

Requests must state the type and amount of material needed (e.g. sternal rib end sample, 0.5g). Excessive destruction must be avoided, an applicant may be asked to keep the number of potential samples to an absolute minimum, and may be invited to consider non-invasive alternatives. The researcher must also provide the CHB with the location and storage method of the sample.  If the material is to be analysed in a  laboratory external to a researcher's affiliated institution, its contact details must be provided.

Museum of London reserves the right to request the return of any extant material, and a copy of all information obtained from its samples.  All results must be reported in writing to the Centre, with the sample's site code and context number included in all correspondence. Any extant material should also be returned to the Centre upon completion of the study. Copies of research and/or publications based on MoL collections must be returned to the Centre.

We strongly recommend that the research forms are returned to the Centre before funding applications are submitted;  the Museum of London cannot guarantee access to its collections for study and/or permit destructive sampling after awards have been made.

Application forms and further study information can be found on the research page of the CHB website.

Previous destructive sampling studies

Diagenesis

Carter Lane (PIC87), East Smithfield (St Mary Graces) (MIN86), Fenchurch Street (FCC95), General Post Office (GPO75), Haydon Street (HAY86), Hooper Street (HOO88), Mansell Street (MSL87, MSL88) and New London Bridge (NLB91).

Specific diseases (e.g. tuberculosis)

Bermondsey Abbey (BA84), Billingsgate Market (BIG 82), Calvert's Buildings (15SKS80), Courage Brewery (COSE84), East Smithfield (St Mary Graces) (MIN86), Farringdon Street (FAO90),  Great Dover Street (GDV96), General Post Office (GPO75), Hooper Street (HOO88), Mansell Street (MSL87, MSL88), New London Bridge (NLB91), St Mary Spital (SRP98), St Thomas Street (4STS82), Red Cross Way (REW92), West Smithfield (WES89) and 1 Poultry (ONE94).

Dental health

Broadgate (LSS85)

Age/sex estimation

Chelsea Old Church (OCU00), Farringdon Street (FAO90) and East Smithfield (St Mary Graces) (MIN86).

Subadult growth/development (skeletal and dental)

Broadgate (LSS85), St Mary Spital (SRP98) and East Smithfield (St Mary Graces) (MIN86).

Diet

Guildhall Yard (GYE92), Merton Priory (MPY86, MPY77), East Smithfield (St Mary Graces) (MIN86) and St Mary Spital (SRP98).

Past catastrophic events (e.g. plague, famine)

General Post Office (GPO75), East Smithfield (St Mary Graces) (MIN86) and St Mary Spital (SRP98).

Radiocarbon dating (C14)

Calvert's Buildings (15SKS80), Courage Brewery (COSE84), Great Dover Street (GDV96), Lundenwic (Anglo-Saxon sites), St Mary Spital (SRP98), St Thomas Street (4STS82) and West Smithfield (WES89).