Lindow Man 40th Anniversary

12 Jul 2024

The University recently hosted a landmark celebration event of Peatland Heritage and Research.

The University of Manchester recently hosted a landmark event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the discovery of Lindow Man: Britain’s most famous ‘bog body’. This day-long conference, held last June, brought together a diverse array of experts, curators, researchers, creatives and community members to explore the multifaceted significance of Lindow Man and the broader context of peatland archaeology and conservation.

The event, which attracted a large and engaged audience, showcased the interdisciplinary nature of bog body research and peatland studies. Attendees included established academics, early career researchers, artists, students, poets, conservationists, and members of local community groups such as The Wilmslow Transitions Group.

The conference was structured around four main themes: recent research on Lindow Man and Lindow Moss, the creative power of peatlands, the archaeology of peatlands, and mossland communities' restoration and renewal efforts.

The morning session, focused on recent research developments. Sophia Adams from the British Museum provided a detailed account of Lindow Man's discovery and initial examination, while Jody Joy explored the emotional aspects of curating human remains. Henry Chapman and Dan Godfrey presented their landscape and palaeoenvironmental research on Lindow Moss, offering new insights into the site's historical context and ecological significance.

The creative power of peatlands took center stage in the early afternoon, with poet John Wedgwood Clarke presenting "Bogtalk" and a screening of Liz Ellis's film "Mossfox." This session, chaired by Melanie Giles, also featured poetry readings by Abbi Flint and Clare Shaw, as well as a conversation between author Liz Garner and artist Rose Ferraby.

The archaeology session delved deeper into specific bog body cases and artifacts. Melanie Giles discussed "Worsley Man," a Roman-era bog head, while Isobel Harvey explored the fascinating research of textiles preserved in bogs.

The final session of the day, led by Melanie Giles, focused on mossland communities and conservation efforts. Jonathan Lageard spoke about conserving peatland heritage, and representatives from The Wilmslow Transitions Group shared their experiences with local restoration and renewal projects.

The event concluded with an open discussion on the importance of peatlands, followed by a listening to a recording of the carnyx, an Iron Age trumpet with a boars shaped head, the remains of which were discovered in Scotland.

This anniversary celebration was particularly wonderful in its ability to bring together such a wide range of perspectives and disciplines. From scientific research and archaeological insights to artistic interpretations and community-led conservation efforts, the event highlighted the multifaceted importance of Lindow Man and peatlands in our cultural and natural heritage.

The diversity of topics presented – spanning poetry, art, science, research, conservation, and community engagement – reflected the broad impact that the discovery of Lindow Man has had over the past four decades in the Northwest and beyond. It also underscored the ongoing relevance of peatland research and conservation in addressing contemporary issues such as climate change and cultural preservation.

It's clear that the legacy of Lindow Man continues to inspire and inform a new generation of researchers, artists, and conservationists. The conference not only celebrated past discoveries but also pointed towards a future where interdisciplinary collaboration will play a crucial role in understanding and preserving our peatland heritage.