Conserving the Lindow Man
Lindow Man was preserved in a peat bog in Cheshire for nearly
two thousand years.
The acidic, oxygen-free conditions in the bog slowed down the
rate at which the body decayed. Under such conditions organic
material, like skin and hair, can be well preserved. This is the
most common cause of preservation of human bodies in northern
Europe.
Decay is likely to become established following excavation
unless a body is kept at a low temperature. The body of Lindow Man,
together with the surrounding peat, was stored in cool conditions
and gradually excavated and examined.
To prevent the body from drying out in an uncontrolled way it
was sprayed at intervals with cold, distilled water. Parts of the
body not being worked on were covered to prevent evaporation.
After the front of the body had been excavated, a support mount
was made to fit the contours of the body. This enabled it to be
turned over and a thorough scientific examination carried out.
International discussions helped to determine the best way to
preserve the body. After extensive testing, freeze-drying was
selected. The freeze-drying process was considered a success, and
after some final cleaning and repair, Lindow Man was placed on
display in a specially constructed and environmentally controlled
showcase.