Huge whale skeleton found in Thames

A huge whale skeleton recently excavated by Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited at Bay Wharf, Greenwich, has been on display for the first time at the Museum of London Docklands.

The headless skeleton of a rare North Atlantic right whale weighs around half a tonne, is seven metres long and up to four metres wide. It will be on show in the museum foyer for the public to see until 14 September 2010.

Francis Grew, Senior Curator of Archaeology and Archive Manager at the Museum of London, said: “This is probably the largest single ‘object’ ever to have been found on an archaeological dig in London. Whales occasionally swim into the Thames, and there are historical accounts of the enormous public excitement they engendered. To have found a skeleton, which just possibly might be linked with one of those sightings, is quite incredible.”

After display the skeleton will be transported to its new home at the Natural History Museum, where it will be carbon-dated and used by researchers to understand more about this endangered species. Scientists can use the bones to extract DNA and stable isotopes, which can provide information about genetic diversity, distribution in the ocean and feeding strategies.

Richard Sabin, Senior Curator of Mammals at the Natural History Museum, said: “The Natural History Museum has only two complete North Atlantic right whale skeletons - one of which is on public display in the Museum’s iconic Whale Hall. Although once common in British waters, North Atlantic right whales are now endangered making this discovery particularly fascinating, as it offers us a snapshot into the past of these amazing mammals, whilst providing a valuable scientific resource for contemporary zoological studies.”

Tim Bradley, Project Manager at Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd, said: “When the archaeologist on site phoned me to say that he had found a whale I thought he was joking! As archaeologists we’re used to reacting to unexpected finds, but the size and location of the whale on the tidal foreshore made recovery particularly challenging – among other things it broke the suspension on our van! We’re very excited to have made such an exceptional discovery.”