Digging up human remains in the UK

[bomberh]

Dear all, I'm an interested amateur and been reading up on some of the ethical issues surrounding human remains. What does the law currently say about human remains in archaeology? It all seems somewhat unclear and has changed recently. At a practical level would I be correct in saying that an exhumation licence is still required and that bodies must be reburied within 2 years (unless additional approvals are sought)? Is this correct? Is their guidance on how long must pass before a grave can be legitimately excavated for research purposes (i.e. obtaining a licence)?