Resurrecting Lindow Man

ABSTRACT This article presents a first-hand account of the discovery and excavation of four sets of human remains from Lindow Moss in the years 1983–1988. Fragments of the remains of Lindow Man (later named Lindow II) were discovered by peat workers in 1984. The find was reported to the police then to R. Turner, Cheshire County Archaeologist, that day, who identified further remains in situ. Following preparations for excavation under police supervision, the area was examined archaeologically and the remains lifted by a team of police, specialists and peat workers. The remains were taken to Macclesfield Hospital pathology stores in the evening. After 14C dating and release by the coroner, the remains were transferred to the British Museum. In 1987, the peat workers discovered more human remains, Lindow III, from another part of the Moss. The body had been broken up by machinery months before. Further human remains, Lindow IV, were discovered in 1988.