09 January 2014
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New research released on the fate of the Franklin expedition crew
Scientists at the University of Glasgow have released new findings which challenge traditional beliefs that lead poisoning contributed to the deaths of the ill-fated Franklin expedition crew. ...
New research released on the fate of the Franklin expedition crew Images
Scientists at the University of Glasgow have released new findings which challenge traditional beliefs that lead poisoning contributed to the deaths of the ill-fated Franklin expedition crew.
Fresh analysis of forensic and other historical data by University of Glasgow scientists has cast new light on the fate of Captain Sir John Franklin’s (pictured) Royal Navy expedition to find the Northwest Passage nearly 170 years ago.
The disappearance of the 'Franklin expedition', which set off in 1845, made headlines around the world and led to a huge search and rescue mission.
Analysis of the remains of the men who perished on the expedition, which was carried out in the 20th century, suggested that inexpert soldering of food tins containing lead may have played a 'significant role' in the deaths of the Franklin crew.
New theories on lead poisoning
Now, a reappraisal of that theory is taking place as a result of further research carried out by Professor Keith Millar of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences and Professor Adrian Bowman of School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Glasgow, and their colleague, the archaeologist and author William Battersby.
Their analysis, published in the journal Polar Record (Cambridge University Press), has shown that whilst levels of lead in the crew were high relative to today’s levels, they may not have been exceptional in lead-contaminated 19th century Britain where lead poisoning was not uncommon. Using statistical estimation, they also showed great variation in lead levels amongst the crew which is similar to that seen in present-day, lead-exposed workers.
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From this, they conclude that although a proportion of the 129 men may have suffered symptoms of lead poisoning – much as in the contemporary land-based population – the physical and mental state of others would have been largely unaffected, at least while their general health remained good.
This finding, linked to other historical evidence that suggests the crew suffered no serious debility until their provisions began to run short after more than two years in the Arctic, may justify a reappraisal of the supposed central role of lead poisoning in the disaster, suggest the team.
A spokesperson for the research team said:
'The failure of the Admiralty to equip the crew adequately in the event that the ships had to be abandoned, and delay and miscalculation in organising the rescue mission, sealed their fate as they attempted an overland retreat that was beyond their capability.'
The Canadian Government agency Parks Canada conducts an annual summer search for the expedition’s missing ships. Their eventual discovery may provide definitive answers to the Franklin mystery, suggest the researchers.
(Glacier image taken from "The Voyage of the “Fox” in the Arctic Seas. A narrative of the discovery of the fate of Sir John Franklin and his companions. With maps and illustrations [and a preface by Sir R. I. Murchison]" - British Library shelfmark HMNTS 10460.d.2.
Keep up to date with the latest history news, discoveries and research in every issue of History Scotland and Scottish Memories magazines, available in print and digital versions.
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Fresh analysis of forensic and other historical data by University of Glasgow scientists has cast new light on the fate of Captain Sir John Franklin’s (pictured) Royal Navy expedition to find the Northwest Passage nearly 170 years ago.
The disappearance of the 'Franklin expedition', which set off in 1845, made headlines around the world and led to a huge search and rescue mission.
Analysis of the remains of the men who perished on the expedition, which was carried out in the 20th century, suggested that inexpert soldering of food tins containing lead may have played a 'significant role' in the deaths of the Franklin crew.
New theories on lead poisoning
Now, a reappraisal of that theory is taking place as a result of further research carried out by Professor Keith Millar of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences and Professor Adrian Bowman of School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Glasgow, and their colleague, the archaeologist and author William Battersby.
Their analysis, published in the journal Polar Record (Cambridge University Press), has shown that whilst levels of lead in the crew were high relative to today’s levels, they may not have been exceptional in lead-contaminated 19th century Britain where lead poisoning was not uncommon. Using statistical estimation, they also showed great variation in lead levels amongst the crew which is similar to that seen in present-day, lead-exposed workers.
From this, they conclude that although a proportion of the 129 men may have suffered symptoms of lead poisoning – much as in the contemporary land-based population – the physical and mental state of others would have been largely unaffected, at least while their general health remained good.
This finding, linked to other historical evidence that suggests the crew suffered no serious debility until their provisions began to run short after more than two years in the Arctic, may justify a reappraisal of the supposed central role of lead poisoning in the disaster, suggest the team.
A spokesperson for the research team said:
'The failure of the Admiralty to equip the crew adequately in the event that the ships had to be abandoned, and delay and miscalculation in organising the rescue mission, sealed their fate as they attempted an overland retreat that was beyond their capability.'
The Canadian Government agency Parks Canada conducts an annual summer search for the expedition’s missing ships. Their eventual discovery may provide definitive answers to the Franklin mystery, suggest the researchers.
(Glacier image taken from "The Voyage of the “Fox” in the Arctic Seas. A narrative of the discovery of the fate of Sir John Franklin and his companions. With maps and illustrations [and a preface by Sir R. I. Murchison]" - British Library shelfmark HMNTS 10460.d.2.
Keep up to date with the latest history news, discoveries and research in every issue of History Scotland and Scottish Memories magazines, available in print and digital versions.
Sign up now for our FREE e-newsletter for more news stories, sneak previews, exclusive content and special offers.
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