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'Irish giant' may finally get buried at sea


Still Waters

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The “Irish giant”, a centrepiece of the Hunterian anatomical museum in London, could be released to allow the remains to be given a respectful burial after more than two centuries on display.

The skeleton is that of Charles Byrne, an 18th-century man who had a genetic form of gigantism that caused him to grow to more than 2.31 metres (7ft 7in) tall.

Before dying, Byrne asked his friends to ensure he was buried at sea in a lead coffin to prevent gravediggers exhuming his remains and selling them to the medical establishment. Byrne’s plan was thwarted, but in recent years the museum has come under increasing pressure to honour the Irishman’s final wishes.

Now the museum, which has just closed for three years for refurbishment, says it is considering doing so.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jun/22/irish-giant-may-finally-get-respectful-burial-after-200-years-on-display

 

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I stumbled upon his story through a work of historical fiction.  I hope he finally receives the dignity he has always deserved.  Anyone unfamiliar with his story - the book is titled THE DEAD SHALL NOT REST.  It's a dramatized work of fiction but the author is a lady who treasures historical accuracy.

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I find it sick that his own wishes were ignored for so long. OK do an autopsy if you must and it might help others, but let the man go as he asked. 

Sideshow circus mentality....

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