The Strange Reason Ben Franklin's Basement Was Filled with Skeletons

Episode Summary

Main Topics

The episode centers on the shocking discovery of human skeletons in Benjamin Franklin's former London home at 36 Craven Street. It details the archaeological find from 1998, quickly debunking sensational theories of mass murder. Instead, it focuses on the clandestine, illegal anatomy school run by Franklin's young protégé, William Hewson, in the basement. The discussion illuminates the historical context of 18th-century anatomical study and the ethical challenges in acquiring cadavers.

Key Discussion Points

• The Craven Street Discovery: In 1998, during renovations to turn Franklin's London home into a museum, conservationists discovered over 1200 bone fragments from at least 15 individuals, including six children. Found in a secret basement room at 36 Craven Street, where Franklin lived for decades, this sparked widespread intrigue. The bones were forensically dated to Franklin's era.
• William Hewson's Anatomy Lab: The most accepted explanation for the skeletal remains is an illegal anatomy school operated by Franklin's friend and protégé, William Hewson. As an anatomical pioneer, Hewson found Franklin's 36 Craven Street home ideal due to his close ties to Franklin and his mother-in-law being the landlady. This clandestine setup allowed him to conduct vital research when legal cadaver acquisition was nearly impossible.
• The Ethics of Early Anatomy and Grave Robbing: The episode explores 18th-century societal ethics where anatomical dissection was largely frowned upon, making legal body acquisition nearly impossible. Consequently, Hewson and other early anatomists resorted to illegal methods like employing "resurrection men" for grave robbing, or exhuming bodies themselves. This provided essential specimens for a critical, emerging medical field.
• Disposal Methods and Risk Mitigation: After dissection, Hewson cleverly used 36 Craven Street's basement as a burial site for the remains, avoiding disposal elsewhere. This strategy significantly reduced his risk of prosecution for illegal dissection and grave robbing. The sheer volume of bones indicates a consistent operation spanning several years.
• Benjamin Franklin's Awareness and Involvement: While Franklin was likely aware of Hewson's extensive illegal activities in his home, historians doubt his direct involvement in the dissections. However, it's highly speculated that the famously curious Franklin would have, at the very least, snuck downstairs to observe Hewson's groundbreaking, illicit anatomical work once or twice.

Notable Moments

• The "Serial Killer" Speculation: A memorable moment is the host's initial humorous speculation about Benjamin Franklin being a "serial killer" upon introducing the topic. This provides a stark, funny contrast to the eventual, well-researched, and academic explanation from the Smithsonian article, highlighting the initial shock value.
• The Smithsonian's Authoritative Confirmation: A surprising revelation is that the detailed information about the Craven Street skeletons comes directly from the Smithsonian, not a conspiracy website. This authoritative source immediately lends immense credibility to the narrative, dispelling listener doubts and emphasizing the serious historical and scientific nature of the discovery.
• Franklin's Curious Nature: A notable exchange involves hosts speculating on Franklin's reactions, imagining the "curious man" sneaking down to "check out the proceedings at least once or twice." This humanizes Franklin, adding relatable intrigue to the historical figure drawn to the forbidden science occurring right in his basement.

Key Takeaways

This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the scientifically significant, albeit darker, side of 18th-century medical advancement, revealing how pioneers like William Hewson circumvented strict laws. Listeners will learn specific details of the skeletal discovery at Benjamin Franklin's former London home and its compelling, historically supported explanation. The discussion highlights ethical dilemmas and clandestine methods employed when the pursuit of knowledge clashed with societal taboos, painting a vivid picture of a hidden chapter in both Franklin's history and medicine.