The Latest Breaking News from Charles Byrne

Why the racist study of skulls gripped Victorian Britain

ANALYSIS: The harmful and racist foundations of craniometry have now been discredited, reports Elise Smith, but it had Victorian scientists captivated

The Independent UK · Aug 22, 2025

How the racist study of skulls gripped Victorian Britain’s scientists

The recent publication of the University of Edinburgh’s Review of Race and History has drawn attention to its “skull room”: a collection of 1,500 human craniums procured for study in the 19th century.

The Conversation · Aug 21, 2025

Oran McConville death: Britain’s Got Talent star dies, aged 18

Teenager was killed just six weeks after his father ‘suddenly’ died

The Independent UK · Apr 10, 2025

From foetuses to penises: anatomical museum reopens in London

Hunterian Museum collection amassed by 18th-century surgeon-anatomist John Hunter includes body parts of humans and animals

The Guardian - UK · May 11, 2023

British Legion tells PM: Help Afghan war heroes who helped us

The charity, which represents 180,000 British veterans, commends The Independent’s campaign to stop deportation of Afghan pilot

The Independent UK · Apr 22, 2023

London museum could face legal action over skeleton of Irish giant

Campaigners say ‘let stolen 7ft 7in Charles Byrne finally rest at sea’

Evening Standard · Feb 3, 2023

‘He did not want this’: one man’s two-decade quest to let the ‘Irish Giant’ rest in peace

Researchers spurred by injustice explain why 18th century Irish man famed for his exceptional height deserves burial he wanted

The Guardian - UK · Jan 14, 2023

Queen's death is reminder of disappearing WWII generation

The long good-bye for Queen Elizabeth II is a reminder of a broader truth playing out with little fanfare across Britain: The nation is bidding farewell to the men and women who fought the country’s battles during World War II

The Independent UK · Sep 17, 2022

Queen's death is reminder of disappearing WW II generation

The long good-bye for Queen Elizabeth II is a reminder of a broader truth playing out with little fanfare across Britain: The nation is bidding farewell to the men and women who fought the country’s battles during World War II

The Independent UK · Sep 16, 2022

Royal British Legion apologises for past LGBTQ+ discrimination

Head of veterans’ charity responds to criticism levelled by human rights campaigner 15 years ago

The Guardian - UK · Apr 19, 2022