Archaeology and cutting-edge science have come together to unlock secrets and rewrite the stories of Lancaster district’s ancient past.
Human remains dating back thousands of years have been brought out of the stores of Lancaster City Museums – up to 100 years after they were first discovered – with some being re-analysed in collaboration with a team of experts from Lancaster University.
The result of this, together with knowledge gained from previous scientific analyses which have already reshaped long-held beliefs about local history, is ‘Life After Death’, a new exhibition at Lancaster Maritime Museum which opened on Saturday.
Professor Adam Taylor, Dr Jemma Kerns, Dr Nai-Hao Yin and Twezher Gurdji from Lancaster Medical School helped to examine some of the museum’s archaeological samples for the exhibition using Raman spectroscopy - a powerful tool which uses laser light to reveal the chemical makeup of materials.
The technology was used on some of the museum’s archived teeth and confirms whether remains were cremated or buried, offering up fresh opportunities to confirm burial practices, aid site dating, and get a new perspective on ancient rituals and beliefs.
Professor Adam Taylor, of Lancaster University Medical School, said: “This project shows how important archaeological and historical museum samples are in modern science. Novel techniques such as these reveal new information about the aspects of individual’s lives and health through their mineralised tissues.”
The brand-new Life After Death exhibition enables visitors to come face-to-face with bones and artefacts from local digs.
The displays look at how scientific technologies have revealed secrets buried for thousands of years and shaped our understanding of local history - each with its own remarkable tale.
One of the exhibits includes teeth from the Manor Farm Bronze Age burial site, which after undergoing Raman analysis, helped to confirm how the site was used and that there were cremations at the place, confirming that Raman technique can reveal important information about archaeological materials.
Dr Jemma Kerns, Senior Lecturer, Lancaster Medical School, said “We were really pleased to be able to apply our knowledge in Raman spectroscopy to learn more about archaeological samples.
‘’Raman spectroscopy particularly lends itself to studying precious and rare artefacts and remains because it can analyse them without causing any damage.”
The exhibition also features remains from Vicarage Field in Lancaster, once thought to be medieval, but revealed as part of a mighty Roman fort from the 1st to the 4th centuries, thanks to decades of meticulous scientific archaeology.
Bones of arctic hares and lemmings from Dog Holes in Warton, a cave that served as a burial site from the Stone Age right through to Romano-British times, have revealed just how cold the climate once was around Lancaster.
There are also bones and artefacts from Dog Hole in Haverbrack - the largest Romano-British burial site in the North West - where at least 33 individuals were uncovered from unborn babies to people aged more than 50-years-old. The use of isotope analysis has helped to better understand the diet and gender of the remains found.
Councillor Sam Riches, Lancaster City Council member with responsibility for museums, said: “This project began as a collaboration between the museum and university researchers exploring new applications for Raman technology. This exciting project focused on local historic remains and opens doors for future discoveries worldwide.
“A clear chemical difference between cremated and buried teeth was found, paving the way for future research, and proving that museum collections are vital resources for research.
“This kind of exhibition is important for our local community as it reminds us that our understandings of the past are not static. It shows how assumptions about our history can be wrong, and that by returning to these historical questions with enhanced perspectives and cutting-edge technologies we can reveals new aspects of the past and reveal fresh insights about the people who lived here long before us.”
The exhibition runs until April 25, 2026.
Police issue quicksand warning after riverbank danger for school pupils in Lancaster
Lancaster animal shelter launches 'Big Build' fundraiser to help save charity
LISTEN: Morecambe "definitely submitting a bid" to become first UK Town of Culture
Heysham Port upgrade blamed for traffic chaos 'trapping residents in their homes'
LISTEN: Tourism champs hail Eden Project and Tour de France as huge for Morecambe Bay area
Donation helps college pan ability football team to play in national championships
LISTEN: Meet the new manager of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe
LISTEN: Main contractor to build Eden Project Morecambe to be announced this month
£1.2m of funding for flood defence schemes in Lancaster district announced
Morecambe Bay hospital trust unveils new painless blood test
Thousands raised to help boost return of Lancaster Music Festival
High street computer games shop in Lancaster closes down
LISTEN: Carnforth actor wins Hollywood and Paris awards for horror film role
"1600 potholes repaired last week" says councillor as roads debate rumbles on
Burger King takeaway in Lancaster city centre closes down
Morecambe lifeboat crew reunite dog lost on sands with owner
New Morrisons Daily supermarket opens in Morecambe
Council investigate after derelict food trailer found dumped in Lancaster layby
Man charged after pedestrian died in Morecambe hit and run
LISTEN: We go out on Pothole Patrol in Morecambe
