Bishop Walter of Whithorn

Today's the day ........................ to reconstruct

Can I introduce you to Bishop Walter of Whithorn?  Don't you think he's looking remarkably fit and healthy - considering he died in 1235?

It's all down to the remarkable work of quite a few people, starting with Dr Adrian Evans at the University of Bradford's School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences.  Bishop Walter's skull (see extra) was identified from a Dig which took place at Whithorn Priory back in 2008-9.  A special 3D scanning process was carried out on it - where various patterns of light are shone on to the surface of the bones using a projector, while a pair of cameras take high-speed photographs.  The many images creates are analysed using special computer software to create a 3D model at high resolution and in full colour.

In addition, ancient DNA analysis (aDNA) can yield information about hair and eye colour which can help the forensic artist to sculpt and colour the face,first digitally and then in3D print-out. It is also possible to tell other things from the actual grave and how the body has decomposed.  It is very likely that the Bishop was obese - and that he would have suffered from a bony hardening of ligaments affecting the posture of his neck.

It's all marvellous stuff - and just part of an excellent exhibition at The Whithorn Experience Museum .......................