What was the reason behind the abundance of skeletons concealed in Benjamin Franklin’s basement?

Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers, spent a significant amount of time living in London between 1757 and 1775. During this time, he resided at 36 Craven Street, where a mysterious discovery was made centuries later. In the 1990s, bones from over a dozen bodies were found buried in a windowless room beneath the garden of Franklin’s former home.

The bones, which belonged to at least 15 individuals, including children, had been buried in the basement of the house around the time Franklin lived there. The discovery sparked intrigue and speculation about what dark secrets Franklin may have hidden in his basement. However, further investigation revealed a more plausible explanation for the presence of the bones.

It was discovered that the bones were likely remnants of an anatomy school run by William Hewson, a young anatomist and protégé of Franklin. Hewson, who had a falling out with his former teacher, William Hunter, established his own anatomy school at 36 Craven Street, where Franklin was a boarder. The convenient location of the house, along with the support of Franklin and Hewson’s mother-in-law, made it an ideal spot for Hewson’s anatomical studies.

During the 18th century, the study of anatomy was a controversial and ethically ambiguous practice. The demand for human bodies for dissection far exceeded the legal supply, leading anatomists like Hewson to resort to grave robbing to obtain specimens. Bodies could be smuggled from graveyards or taken from the gallows and used for anatomical studies.

While Franklin may have been aware of the illegal activities taking place in his building, he likely did not participate in them directly. However, as a champion of science and innovation, it is possible that Franklin supported Hewson’s work and was intrigued by the scientific endeavors happening in his home.

The dangers of conducting dissections in the 18th century were highlighted by Hewson’s untimely death in 1774. He succumbed to sepsis, a result of accidentally cutting himself during a procedure. Franklin, along with others in Hewson’s circle, mourned the loss of the talented young anatomist, reflecting on his contributions to the field of anatomy.

The discovery of the bones at 36 Craven Street sheds light on the fascinating history of anatomical studies in the 18th century and the connections between prominent figures like Benjamin Franklin and William Hewson. While the presence of the bones may have initially sparked speculation about dark secrets, the truth behind their burial reveals a story of scientific curiosity and innovation in a time of ethical ambiguity.