9th February 2013, 08:56 AM
Kel Wrote:Small print indeed. Now that's what I call a quality precedent on the handling of human remains - couldn't get much better unless it was confirmed in a court case. Doesn't directly apply to remains "in limbo" between lifting and reburial, but it has to be good enough for an argument.
I am not so sure it actually clarifies the law. The original application (available on the MoJ website) states that the remains will be reburied at the Cathedral in the 'unlikely event' that they turned out to be the king and that they would be buried within 4 weeks of exhumation. The licence however gives a period of grace up to 2 years and extends the scope of burial or storage place available to the Museum. Based solely upon the original application this appears to give considerable leeway to the MoJ official to decide on conditions, rather than there being a set or established procedure. I am not saying this is wrong (flexibility is a great thing), but what would have happened if the licence had stuck to the original application and the Uni had only been granted 4 weeks between lifting and reburial. I am guessing the documentary would have been a little different....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...