A group of human remains more than a century old will be moved from a district history museum to the University of Cambridge after councillors decided it wasn't appropriate for them to be buried.

The bones, which include two skulls and several vertebrae, were first given to Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum in 1914.

Whilst their exact origin is unknown it is believed that they may come from India because of the donor's family history.

"However, this identification is not conclusive, and precise details of their geographical, cultural, or religious origins cannot now be established," said a report discussed by Warwick District Council last week.

With the precise origin of the remains unknown the museum, which is operated by WDC, was not able to use them for research and has no plans to display them.

And councillors felt it was not appropriate to bury them.

"Burial is not considered a culturally appropriate practice for the respectful disposal of human remains in the area where these remains originated," the report added.

"Since our primary motivation is to treat them with sensitivity and dignity, burial is not necessarily an appropriate course of action."

WDC also considered repatriating the bones but there was no precedent for this, and with officers unable to pinpoint their origin this was deemed inappropriate.

Instead they will join the remains of over 18,000 other bodies at the university's Duckworth Collection.

(Image by David Dixon via geograph.org.uk)

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