Museum news

This article is from Current Archaeology issue 422

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Encountering Arnish Moor Man

In 1964, the body of a young man who had apparently been murdered in the 18th century was discovered on Arnish Moor, south of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.

Forensic analysis revealed that he was around 20-25 years old, and had died from a blow to the back of the head. While the individual’s identity remains unknown, his clothing and personal belongings provide a rare insight into life in the Outer Hebrides in the early 1700s.

Dressed in a knitted bonnet and a stylish but much-repaired jacket, the man was found with a wooden comb and quills; educated, but of limited means, he may have been a scholar or an apprentice clerk.

Now his bonnet and personal possessions have been loaned by National Museums Scotland for Arnish Moor Man, an exhibition that will run at the Kinloch Historical Society in Lewis until March 2026. For more details, see http://www.kinlochhistoricalsociety.co.uk.

A twist in the tale

Another recently opened exhibition is running at Knaresborough Heritage Centre, exploring the linen industry that dominated the North Yorkshire town in the 18th and 19th centuries.

A mixture of artefacts and audiovisuals illuminate the lives and working conditions of individuals as young as eight who were employed in textile production, and the displays also draw on recent archaeological research, including analysis of the skeletons of poor child apprentices who were buried at Fewston, just 13 miles from Knaresborough (see CA 403).

Part 2: A Twist in the Tale is at the Knaresborough Heritage Centre until 31 July. The centre is open 10am-4pm Wed-Sun; admission is free (donations welcome). For more details, see http://www.knaresboroughtownmuseum.org.uk.

Reconstructing Shoreham Fort

The Friends of Shoreham Fort (FoSF) have announced that they are a step closer to achieving their ambition of restoring the West Sussex landmark to its former glory.

Built in 1857, Shoreham Fort played an important defensive role, including during both World Wars, but in 1958 its central barrack block was demolished, today surviving only as a brick outline. Now a Scheduled Monument, the complex’s ramparts, gun emplacements, and magazines can still be seen, but FoSF have long cherished a wish to reconstruct the building that once dominated its interior.

At the charity’s recent AGM, FoSF founder Gary Baines said that local experts and engineering companies had offered their time for free to help advance the project, and that the works (which will be subject to planning permission) have gained permission in principle from Historic England, subject to the final design being agreed.

If the plans (below) go ahead, the reconstruction’s exterior will be brick, reflecting the barracks’ original appearance, while its interior will house educational and community facilities, including an exhibition room, research centre, events space, and café. For more information, see http://www.shorehamfort.co.uk.