September 17, 2024 • 30 mins
What if the secret to understanding Benjamin Franklin's complex legacy lies buried beneath his London home? Uncover the chilling discovery of human bones in the basement of Benjamin Franklin's former residence on Craven Street. We navigate the bustling streets of 18th century London, painting a vivid picture of Franklin's life as a colonial agent. As we piece together the grim realities of medical practices during the time, including the desperate demand for cadavers and the gruesome world of body snatching, the shadowy history of Franklin's home comes to life. We also go beyond just unravelin historical mysteries; we dive deep into the ethical dilemmas faced by the medical community of the 18th century. Tune in for an interesting journey where some of the darkest parts of history are explored in unexpected ways.
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Be Weird. Stay Different. Don't Trust Anyone!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
The world is dark and twisted, but somehow we find
the light.
We dive into the darkness, fromparanormal to true crime.
Every week you come back tolisten, no matter how spooky it
(01:13):
gets.
We're so thankful for all ofyou.
I hope you never forget toalways be yourself and don't
trust anyone when life gets ugly.
We hope that we can make itbetter when you can find your
(01:43):
way home, we'll heat the darkcrossroads.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Welcome to Dark Crossroads Podcast, hosted by
Roxanne Fletcher.
This is your stop for allthings true crime and paranormal
.
From the infamous story of theNew Bedford Highway Killer to
the chilling tales of the BlackBedford Highway Killer, to the
chilling tales of the Black EyedChildren, dark Crossroads
Podcast is a truly deep diveinto the stories that frighten
and fascinate you All.
Links to the show will beprovided in this episode's
(02:20):
description, and don't forget tolet us know what you think of
today's episode.
Sometimes on this podcast, welike to illuminate the darkest
corners of our past.
In today's episode, we will beembarking on an extended journey
into a tale that blurs thelines between founding father
lore and macabre discovery.
Prepare yourselves for acomprehensive exploration of
(02:44):
18th century London, where thehome of Benjamin Franklin, a
diplomat, inventor and enigma,held secrets far beyond anything
we could have possibly imagined.
It was a crisp autumn day in1998.
The leaves were turning goldand red in London's historic
Craven Street.
This was a narrow thoroughfarethat winds its way through the
(03:04):
heart of the city.
At number 36, a Georgiantownhouse stands silent, its
weathered bricks holding nearlytwo and a half centuries of
history.
This is no ordinary home,though.
This is where Benjamin Franklin, one of America's most revered
founding fathers, spent nearly16 years of his life.
As conservation workerscarefully excavated a small pit
(03:27):
in the basement, preparing thehouse for its transformation
into a museum, their toolssuddenly strike something
unexpected.
A collective gasp echoes in thedim space as they brush away
centuries of dirt to revealhuman bones.
In the coming days, thepainstaking work of
archaeologists would uncover theremains of 10 human bodies
(03:48):
buried beneath the house sixchildren and four adults.
But how did they get there andwhat connection, if any, did
they have to Benjamin Franklin?
To unravel this mystery, weneed to transport ourselves back
to the London of the 1750s.
Imagine the narrow cobblestonestreets teeming with life,
street vendors, horse-drawncarriages clattering by and the
(04:10):
pungent mix of scents from opensewers and cooking fires filling
the air.
It's into this bustling,chaotic world that Benjamin
Franklin arrives in 1757, takingup residence at 36 Craven
Street.
Benjamin, already renowned forhis experiments with electricity
, was here as an agent for thePennsylvania Assembly,
(04:31):
advocating for colonialinterests in the heart of the
British Empire.
To truly understand thesignificance of what was found
in Benjamin Franklin's basement,we need to delve deeper into
the world.
Benjamin, who, from now on I'mgoing to call Ben inhabited
during this time in London.
Benjamin Franklin arrived inLondon at a time of great change
and tension.
(04:52):
The Seven Years' War, whichwould reshape the balance of
power in Europe and NorthAmerica, was just beginning.
London was the center of theBritish Empire, a city of nearly
700,000 people, making it thelargest city in Europe at this
time.
It was a place of starkcontrast, where extreme wealth
and grinding poverty existedside by side.
(05:13):
Ben's London at the time was acity in the midst of
transformation.
The Enlightenment was in fullswing, with coffeehouses serving
as hubs of intellectualdiscourse.
Scientists, philosophers andpoliticians rubbed shoulders,
debating the latest ideas anddiscoveries.
It was an intoxicatingenvironment for a curious mind
(05:36):
like Ben's.
But life in the 18th centuryLondon was not all intellectual
stimulation and scientificadvancements.
There was a darker side to thecity.
Disease was rampant, withoutbreaks of smallpox, typhoid
and cholera common.
The streets were filthy, withno proper sewage system.
Crime was a constant concern,with pickpockets and highwaymen
(05:59):
operating openly.
It was a city of opportunity,but it was also a city full of
great danger.
Ben's landlady was a widow namedMargaret Stevenson, and over
time he had become close to bothMargaret and her daughter Polly
.
But it's another figure whoenters the story in 1770 that
may hold the key to all of thismystery William Hewson, a
(06:22):
brilliant young anatomist whomarried Polly Stevenson.
William was a rising star inthe field of anatomy.
He had studied under therenowned Scottish anatomist
William Hunter and was currentlymaking a name for himself with
his research on the lymphaticsystem.
His marriage to Polly Stevensonbrought him into Ben's inner
(06:43):
circle and it was clear fromBen's letters that he held the
young scientist in very highregard.
Now, to understand thesignificance of William Hewson's
presence, we need to delve intothe world of 18th century
medicine.
It was a time of greatscientific advancement, but also
a time of great ethicaldilemmas.
(07:03):
In the 18th century, themedical community was desperate
for bodies to study.
Anatomy was advancing by leapsand bounds, but legal sources of
cadavers, mainly executedcriminals, were very scarce at
this time.
This led to a shadowyunderworld of body snatching,
where so-called resurrectionistswould exhume fresh corpse to
(07:25):
sell to anatomists.
It is crucial to understand thestate of medical knowledge at
this time.
The circulatory system had onlybeen fully described about a
century earlier.
The rule of the lungs andoxygenating the blood was just
beginning to be understood.
Anatomists like Hewson werequite literally mapping the
human body, pushing theboundaries of scientific
(07:47):
understanding with eachdissection.
Anatomy in the 18th century wasvery hands-on, often gruesome.
Dissections were typicallyconducted in the private anatomy
schools or in the homes of thephysicians.
The process was time-sensitive.
Without modern embalmingtechniques, bodies decomposed
(08:07):
quite quickly.
Anatomists would work for hours, meticulously recording their
observations through detaileddrawings and notes.
The tools of the trade wererudimentary by today's standards
Scalpels, bone saws, forceps,syringes to study the
circulatory system.
The smell would have been sooverpowering it would have to be
(08:28):
masked with vinegar or tobaccosmoke.
It definitely was not work forthe faint of heart.
And here's where speculationbegins to run wild.
Was William Hewson involved inthis grisly trade?
Did he turn Ben's basement intoa secret anatomy school
complete with illegally obtainedcorpses?
The evidence seems to point inthat direction.
(08:51):
The bones that were found in1998 showed clear signs of being
part of a dissection.
There were saw marks on theskulls, cut marks on the bones
consistent with 18th centurysurgical techniques.
But this raises even morequestions.
Did Benjamin Franklin knowabout these activities happening
under his own roof?
(09:12):
Was he merely a silent landlord, or could he have been an
active participant in Williams'anatomical studies.
Let's consider the possibilities.
On one hand, ben was a man ofscience with a keen interest in
medicine.
He was known to attendanatomical lectures and even
wrote about Williams'experiments in his letters.
(09:32):
In one letter to John Hunter,another prominent surgeon at the
time, ben wrote I should havebeen happy to see Mr Hewson's
experiments on blood.
I hope he will perfect hisdiscovery and communicate it to
the open public.
This suggests that Ben was atleast aware of William's work.
But did he know the full extentof it?
Did he turn a blind eye to theillegal procurement of the
(09:54):
bodies, seeing it as a necessaryevil in the pursuit of
knowledge?
Ben was deeply invested inscientific progress.
He was a member of the RoyalSociety and corresponded with
leading thinkers across Europe.
It's hard to imagine that hewouldn't have been at least
curious about William's work.
However, ben was also apragmatist.
(10:17):
He might have chosen to remainofficially ignorant of the more
questionable aspects ofWilliams' research.
On the other hand, we mustconsider Ben's position as a
public figure.
He was in London as arepresentative of the American
colonies, walking a delicatediplomatic tightrope.
Could he have risked everythingby actively participating in
(10:39):
illegal dissections?
Ben's position in London wasprecarious.
He was trying to navigate thecomplex politics of colonial
representation while maintaininghis scientific and social
connections.
Any scandal could have hugelyjeopardized his mission.
However, we also know that Benwas adept at managing his public
figure.
(10:59):
He might have felt that thepotential benefits of advancing
medical knowledge outweighed thepossible risks.
But then another questionemerges why bury the bodies in
the basement?
Why not return them to theirgraves under cover of darkness,
as was a common practice amongbody snatchers at this time?
Here we enter even murkierwaters of speculation.
(11:20):
Was there something uniqueabout these particular bodies
that required them to be hiddenaway permanently?
Were they the subjects ofexperiments too controversial to
risk any exposure?
Burying the bodies on site wasunusual, but not unheard of.
It might have been a matter ofconvenience or a response to
increased scrutiny fromauthorities.
(11:41):
There was also the possibilitythat these remains were kept for
ongoing studies.
Certain specimens, particularlythose showing unusual
pathologies, were highly prizedby anatomists.
Some have even suggested moresinister possibilities.
Could these bones be evidenceof a series of murders covered
up by Ben and William under theguise of medical research?
(12:03):
While there's no evidence tosupport such extreme theories,
they illustrate the power thisdiscovery has had on the public
imagination.
The idea that a belovedhistorical figure might have a
literal skeleton in his closet,or rather in his basement, is
undeniably captivating.
To explore this aspect evenfurther, while it is tempting to
(12:25):
imagine lurid scenarios, theevidence does not support
theories of murder.
The bones showed signs ofcareful, methodical dissection,
not violent trauma.
Moreover, the mix of adult andchild remains is consistent with
the general mortality patternsof the 18th century London.
What they were seeing is morelikely the result of
(12:46):
opportunistic body snatchingrather than targeted killings.
That said, the presence ofchildren's remains is
particularly upsetting, but it'salso important to remember that
infant mortality was high inthe 18th century and the bodies
of children were in very highdemand for anatomical studies.
This all is a stark reminder ofthe different attitudes towards
(13:08):
death and the body thatprevailed at this time.
As we consider all of thesepossibilities, it's crucial to
remember the context of the timeera.
The 18th century was an era ofradical change in scientific
thought.
The pursuit of knowledge oftenclashed with established laws
and societal norms.
What we might view as gruesomeor unethical today was often
(13:31):
seen as a necessary step towardsprogress.
It has been stated by doctorsthat we should not judge Ben or
William.
By modern standards, they weremen of their time, pushing the
boundaries of science in waysthat ultimately led to the
medical knowledge that webenefit from today.
The real question is notwhether they were involved in
these activities, but how theyreconciled them with their moral
(13:53):
beliefs.
The 18th century was a pivotaltime in the development of
medical ethics.
The concept of informed consentwas centuries away, and the
rights of the deceased wereviewed very differently than
they are today.
Anatomists like William Hewsongenuinely believed that their
work served a greater good,advancing medical knowledge that
(14:13):
could save countless lives.
At the same time, there was agrowing awareness of the ethical
issues surrounding bodysnatching and dissection.
The poor and marginalized weredisproportionately targeted by
resurrectionists, leading topublic outcry and riots in some
cases.
It's likely that Ben andWilliam were aware of these
tensions, which might explainthe decision to bury the remains
(14:36):
on site rather than to riskdiscovery.
It's worth noting that thisethical dilemma was not unique
to Ben and William.
Many of the anatomicalcollections that form the basis
of our modern medicalunderstanding have similarly
questionable origins.
It's a complex legacy that themedical community is still
grappling with to this day.
(14:56):
This ethical quandary leads usto another fascinating aspect of
the story the social and classdynamics that were at play.
18th century London was a citysharply divided by class.
The bodies found in Franklin'sbasement were likely those of
the poor.
They were the same people whowould have served in households
like Benjamin Franklin's, workedin the shops that he
(15:17):
frequented's worked in the shopsthat he frequented, or begged
on the streets that he wouldwalk.
There's a certain irony in thefact that, in death, these
individuals may have contributedto scientific advancements that
would primarily benefit thewealthy, at least initially.
It's also worth considering therole of women in the story.
Polly Stevenson, williamHewson's wife, was well-educated
(15:40):
and shared Ben's interest inscience.
Some historians have alsospeculated that she might have
assisted in her husband's work.
If this is true, it would addyet another layer to the
understanding of women'scontributions to science in the
18th century, to science in the18th century.
(16:07):
As these complex issues arebeing pondered, it is worth
considering how the discovery ofthis might change current
society's view and perception ofBenjamin Franklin.
Ben has long been viewed as asort of genial grandfather
figure of the AmericanRevolution, the wise, witty,
diplomat and inventor.
But this discovery reminds usthat he was a man of his time,
willing to push boundaries inthe pursuit of knowledge.
(16:28):
It adds a layer of moralambiguity to his character that
makes him in many ways morehuman and maybe even more
interesting.
We need to remember that Benwas a complex figure.
He was a slave owner who laterbecame an abolitionist.
He was a loyal British subjectwho became a leader of the
(16:49):
American Revolution.
This discovery fits into thatpattern of complexity.
It challenges us to see Ben notas a one-dimensional historical
icon, but as a multifacetedhuman being grappling with the
moral and intellectualchallenges of his era.
The bones in the basement alsooffer a unique window into the
(17:10):
scientific process of the 18thcentury.
The remains showed evidence ofvarious anatomical techniques
that were used at that time.
You can see where the skullswere carefully opened to examine
the brain, where the bones wereboiled to remove the flesh and
where different tools were usedto separate the joints.
It's almost like reading atextbook of 18th century
(17:33):
surgical practices, but it waswritten in bone.
One particularly interestingaspect is the evidence of
anatomical injections.
This was a technique wherecolored wax or mercury would be
injected into blood vessels tostudy the circulation.
It was a cutting-edge practiceat this time and it tells us
(17:54):
that whoever was working onthese remains was using the most
advanced methods available.
But the story does not end withthis initial discovery.
The find at 36 Craven Streetsparked a renewed interest in
Ben's time in London and thescientific circles that he moved
in.
This discovery has ledhistorians to re-examine Ben's
(18:15):
London years in greater detail.
Scientists and doctors todayare now looking more closely at
his connections to the medicalcommunity, his attendance at
scientific lectures and hiscorrespondence with other
researchers.
It's opening up new avenues ofstudy and changing their
understanding of Ben'sintellectual pursuits.
For example, they are payingmore attention to Ben's
(18:37):
interactions with otherscientific figures of the time,
like Joseph Presley, whodiscovered oxygen, and John
Hunter, the famous surgeon.
They are also looking at howBen's scientific interests might
have influenced his politicalthinking.
It's leading to a more holisticview of Ben as a figure of the
Enlightenment.
The discovery at Craven Streethas also had implications beyond
(19:00):
the world of historicalresearch.
The find has reignited debatesabout the ethics of using human
remains in medical research andeducation.
It has prompted museums andmedical schools to re-examine
their anatomical collections,considering issues of consent
and proper treatment of humanremains.
Considering issues of consentand proper treatment of human
(19:23):
remains.
In a way, these 18th centurybones are forcing us to confront
very 21st century ethicalquestions.
As our investigation draws to aclose, we were left with a
tapestry of facts, speculationsand unanswered questions.
The bones in BenjaminFranklin's basement stand as a
testament to the complexinterplay of science, ethics and
social dynamics in the 18thcentury.
What was found at Craven Streetis more than just a collection
(19:46):
of bones.
It is a time capsule ofEnlightenment-era scientific
inquiry.
These remains bear witness to apivotal movement in the history
of medicine, when researcherswere just beginning to unravel
the mysteries of human anatomy.
Every cut mark, every sign ofexperimentation tells us
something about the quest forknowledge that drove men like
(20:09):
William Hewson and BenjaminFranklin.
But the implications of thisdiscovery extend far beyond the
realm of historical curiosity.
The Craven Street Bones forceus to confront uncomfortable
truths about the foundations ofhistorical curiosity.
The Craven Street Bones forceus to confront uncomfortable
truths about the foundations ofmodern medicine.
Many of the anatomical atlasesand medical textbooks that
formed the basis of the 19th andearly 20th century medical
(20:31):
education were based on studiesof dubiously obtained bodies.
This discovery brings thatlegacy into sharp focus and asks
us to consider how do we honorthe contributions of these
unnamed individuals to medicalprogress.
How do we reconcile theundeniable benefits of this
research with the ethicalviolations involved in obtaining
(20:54):
the bodies?
This ethical quandary has ledto concrete actions in the
medical community In recentyears.
There has been a movement inmedical schools and museums to
reassess their anatomicalcollections.
Many institutions are workingto identify the origins of their
specimens, to provide propermemorials and, in some cases, to
(21:17):
replace or even return remains.
It's all a complex process thatinvolves balancing scientific
value, ethical considerationsand respect for the dead.
The discovery on Craven Streethas also sparked new debates in
the field of bioarchaeology.
The find sits at theintersection of several
(21:38):
disciplines history, archaeology, medical ethics and forensic
science.
It's encouraging collaborationbetween fields that don't always
interact.
For instance, historians areworking with forensic
anthropologists to piecetogether not just what happened
to these individuals after death, but to try to understand who
(21:58):
they might have been in theirlife.
As we reflect on this macabrediscovery, we're left with more
questions than answers.
But perhaps that's the truevalue of such findings they
challenge us to reconsider ourunderstanding of history and the
figures that we think of sohighly.
Whatever happened in thatbasement on Craven Street forces
us to grapple withuncomfortable truths about the
(22:20):
past.
It reminds us that progressoften comes at a cost and that
even our heroes had to navigatemurky ethical waters.
In studying this aspect ofBen's life, we're not
diminishing his achievements,but rather trying to gain a more
nuanced understanding of theworld that he inhabited and the
choices that he faced.
(22:41):
This discovery adds depth to ourunderstanding of Ben as a man
of science, and it places himfirmly in the context of the
Enlightenment's fascination withempirical knowledge and
hands-on experimentation.
At the same time, it raisesquestions about the limits of
that pursuit of knowledge.
Where did Ben draw the line?
How did he reconcile hisscientific curiosity with his
(23:05):
moral principles?
The Craven Street Bones offer usa unique window into a pivotal
moment in history.
This was a time when the oldworld of superstition and
tradition was giving way to thenew world of science and reason,
but that transition was notsmooth or straightforward.
The story of these bones, withall its moral ambiguity and
(23:26):
unanswered questions,encapsulates the complexities of
that historical moment.
Moreover, this discoverychallenges us to think about how
we approach history.
Too often we view historicalfigures as either heroes or
villains, but the reality isalways much more complex.
Ben was a brilliant inventor, askilled diplomat and a key
(23:48):
figure in the founding ofAmerica.
He was also a man who, at thevery least, turned a blind eye
to ethically questionablemedical practices happening
under his own roof.
Both of these things can betrue, and understanding that
complexity is key to trulyunderstanding history.
Today, 36 Craven Street standsas a museum where visitors can
(24:10):
learn about Ben's life and hiswork in London and, yes, they
can also hear the story of thebones in the basement, a
reminder that history is oftenfar more complex and morally
ambiguous than we might like tobelieve.
When you visit the house today,you can't help but be struck by
the contrast between theelegant Georgian rooms upstairs
(24:31):
and the knowledge of what wenton in the basement.
It's a physical representationof the duality we have been
discussing the public face ofenlightenment, progress and the
hidden costs of that progress.
As we close this episode, Iencourage our listeners to
consider how do we reconcile thegreat achievements of
historical figures with theethical standards of their time?
(24:54):
How might our own futuregenerations judge our own
pursuit of knowledge andprogress?
The story of the Craven StreetBones asks us to consider.
What are the ethical blindspots in our own society.
What practices do we accepttoday in the name of progress
that future generations mightfind morally questionable?
(25:14):
This is a reminder that ethicalreflection should be an ongoing
process, not just something weapply to the past.
Benjamin Franklin, it seems, wasnot just a statesman and an
inventor, but also a man wholived at the intersection of
Enlightenment ideals and thedark realities of 18th century
life.
His house on Craven Streetstands as a testament to the
(25:37):
complex legacy of a complex man,a legacy that continues to
fascinate and perplex us to thisday.
Thank you for joining us onthis journey into the past,
where we have learned thatsometimes the most illuminating
discoveries are made in thedarkest of places.
In the pursuit of historicaltruth, we must be willing to dig
(25:59):
deep, even if what we uncoverdisturbs us, for it is in
confronting these complexitiesthat we gain a truer
understanding of our sharedhuman story.
Until next time, keepquestioning, keep exploring and
never stop seeking the shadowsof history.
Alrighty, so it's that time,guys, to say goodbye, but before
(26:22):
I do so, I just want to send athank you to all of my listeners
for your continued love andsupport and for sending in cases
that you want covered andstories that you want read on
the podcast.
We truly accept all stories,including scary, paranormal and
funny.
Any cases you want covered orstories that you want read on
the podcast, just please sendthem in to darkcrossroadspodcast
(26:44):
at gmailcom.
Thank you for hanging out againtoday, and if you want any more
information about the podcastor cases and stories that we
cover, then head on over to thewebsite at
wwwdarkcrossroadspodcastcom.
There you can find all of theinformation about the podcast, a
link to our merch and also ourblog covering all of the cases
(27:05):
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(27:26):
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And with all of this said,please don't forget to be weird,
stay different and don't trustanyone.
Speaker 1 (27:47):
We share a love for the weird and scary.
When I record, I always feellike I can be myself with you.
Thank you for all of your time.
I couldn't do this without you.
Every week we have so much funSharing stories.
(28:11):
I don't know what I would dowithout dark crossroads.
Dark Crossroads Always beyourself and don't trust anyone.
When life gets ugly, we hopethat we can make it better.
(28:33):
When you can find your way home, we'll hear the dark crossbows.
The world is dark and twisted, but somehow we find
the light.
We dive into the darkness, fromparanormal to true crime.
Every week you come back tolisten, no matter how spooky it
(01:13):
gets.
We're so thankful for all ofyou.
I hope you never forget toalways be yourself and don't
trust anyone when life gets ugly.
We hope that we can make itbetter when you can find your
(01:43):
way home, we'll heat the darkcrossroads.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Welcome to Dark Crossroads Podcast, hosted by
Roxanne Fletcher.
This is your stop for allthings true crime and paranormal
.
From the infamous story of theNew Bedford Highway Killer to
the chilling tales of the BlackBedford Highway Killer, to the
chilling tales of the Black EyedChildren, dark Crossroads
Podcast is a truly deep diveinto the stories that frighten
and fascinate you All.
Links to the show will beprovided in this episode's
(02:20):
description, and don't forget tolet us know what you think of
today's episode.
Sometimes on this podcast, welike to illuminate the darkest
corners of our past.
In today's episode, we will beembarking on an extended journey
into a tale that blurs thelines between founding father
lore and macabre discovery.
Prepare yourselves for acomprehensive exploration of
(02:44):
18th century London, where thehome of Benjamin Franklin, a
diplomat, inventor and enigma,held secrets far beyond anything
we could have possibly imagined.
It was a crisp autumn day in1998.
The leaves were turning goldand red in London's historic
Craven Street.
This was a narrow thoroughfarethat winds its way through the
(03:04):
heart of the city.
At number 36, a Georgiantownhouse stands silent, its
weathered bricks holding nearlytwo and a half centuries of
history.
This is no ordinary home,though.
This is where Benjamin Franklin, one of America's most revered
founding fathers, spent nearly16 years of his life.
As conservation workerscarefully excavated a small pit
(03:27):
in the basement, preparing thehouse for its transformation
into a museum, their toolssuddenly strike something
unexpected.
A collective gasp echoes in thedim space as they brush away
centuries of dirt to revealhuman bones.
In the coming days, thepainstaking work of
archaeologists would uncover theremains of 10 human bodies
(03:48):
buried beneath the house sixchildren and four adults.
But how did they get there andwhat connection, if any, did
they have to Benjamin Franklin?
To unravel this mystery, weneed to transport ourselves back
to the London of the 1750s.
Imagine the narrow cobblestonestreets teeming with life,
street vendors, horse-drawncarriages clattering by and the
(04:10):
pungent mix of scents from opensewers and cooking fires filling
the air.
It's into this bustling,chaotic world that Benjamin
Franklin arrives in 1757, takingup residence at 36 Craven
Street.
Benjamin, already renowned forhis experiments with electricity
, was here as an agent for thePennsylvania Assembly,
(04:31):
advocating for colonialinterests in the heart of the
British Empire.
To truly understand thesignificance of what was found
in Benjamin Franklin's basement,we need to delve deeper into
the world.
Benjamin, who, from now on I'mgoing to call Ben inhabited
during this time in London.
Benjamin Franklin arrived inLondon at a time of great change
and tension.
(04:52):
The Seven Years' War, whichwould reshape the balance of
power in Europe and NorthAmerica, was just beginning.
London was the center of theBritish Empire, a city of nearly
700,000 people, making it thelargest city in Europe at this
time.
It was a place of starkcontrast, where extreme wealth
and grinding poverty existedside by side.
(05:13):
Ben's London at the time was acity in the midst of
transformation.
The Enlightenment was in fullswing, with coffeehouses serving
as hubs of intellectualdiscourse.
Scientists, philosophers andpoliticians rubbed shoulders,
debating the latest ideas anddiscoveries.
It was an intoxicatingenvironment for a curious mind
(05:36):
like Ben's.
But life in the 18th centuryLondon was not all intellectual
stimulation and scientificadvancements.
There was a darker side to thecity.
Disease was rampant, withoutbreaks of smallpox, typhoid
and cholera common.
The streets were filthy, withno proper sewage system.
Crime was a constant concern,with pickpockets and highwaymen
(05:59):
operating openly.
It was a city of opportunity,but it was also a city full of
great danger.
Ben's landlady was a widow namedMargaret Stevenson, and over
time he had become close to bothMargaret and her daughter Polly
.
But it's another figure whoenters the story in 1770 that
may hold the key to all of thismystery William Hewson, a
(06:22):
brilliant young anatomist whomarried Polly Stevenson.
William was a rising star inthe field of anatomy.
He had studied under therenowned Scottish anatomist
William Hunter and was currentlymaking a name for himself with
his research on the lymphaticsystem.
His marriage to Polly Stevensonbrought him into Ben's inner
(06:43):
circle and it was clear fromBen's letters that he held the
young scientist in very highregard.
Now, to understand thesignificance of William Hewson's
presence, we need to delve intothe world of 18th century
medicine.
It was a time of greatscientific advancement, but also
a time of great ethicaldilemmas.
(07:03):
In the 18th century, themedical community was desperate
for bodies to study.
Anatomy was advancing by leapsand bounds, but legal sources of
cadavers, mainly executedcriminals, were very scarce at
this time.
This led to a shadowyunderworld of body snatching,
where so-called resurrectionistswould exhume fresh corpse to
(07:25):
sell to anatomists.
It is crucial to understand thestate of medical knowledge at
this time.
The circulatory system had onlybeen fully described about a
century earlier.
The rule of the lungs andoxygenating the blood was just
beginning to be understood.
Anatomists like Hewson werequite literally mapping the
human body, pushing theboundaries of scientific
(07:47):
understanding with eachdissection.
Anatomy in the 18th century wasvery hands-on, often gruesome.
Dissections were typicallyconducted in the private anatomy
schools or in the homes of thephysicians.
The process was time-sensitive.
Without modern embalmingtechniques, bodies decomposed
(08:07):
quite quickly.
Anatomists would work for hours, meticulously recording their
observations through detaileddrawings and notes.
The tools of the trade wererudimentary by today's standards
Scalpels, bone saws, forceps,syringes to study the
circulatory system.
The smell would have been sooverpowering it would have to be
(08:28):
masked with vinegar or tobaccosmoke.
It definitely was not work forthe faint of heart.
And here's where speculationbegins to run wild.
Was William Hewson involved inthis grisly trade?
Did he turn Ben's basement intoa secret anatomy school
complete with illegally obtainedcorpses?
The evidence seems to point inthat direction.
(08:51):
The bones that were found in1998 showed clear signs of being
part of a dissection.
There were saw marks on theskulls, cut marks on the bones
consistent with 18th centurysurgical techniques.
But this raises even morequestions.
Did Benjamin Franklin knowabout these activities happening
under his own roof?
(09:12):
Was he merely a silent landlord, or could he have been an
active participant in Williams'anatomical studies.
Let's consider the possibilities.
On one hand, ben was a man ofscience with a keen interest in
medicine.
He was known to attendanatomical lectures and even
wrote about Williams'experiments in his letters.
(09:32):
In one letter to John Hunter,another prominent surgeon at the
time, ben wrote I should havebeen happy to see Mr Hewson's
experiments on blood.
I hope he will perfect hisdiscovery and communicate it to
the open public.
This suggests that Ben was atleast aware of William's work.
But did he know the full extentof it?
Did he turn a blind eye to theillegal procurement of the
(09:54):
bodies, seeing it as a necessaryevil in the pursuit of
knowledge?
Ben was deeply invested inscientific progress.
He was a member of the RoyalSociety and corresponded with
leading thinkers across Europe.
It's hard to imagine that hewouldn't have been at least
curious about William's work.
However, ben was also apragmatist.
(10:17):
He might have chosen to remainofficially ignorant of the more
questionable aspects ofWilliams' research.
On the other hand, we mustconsider Ben's position as a
public figure.
He was in London as arepresentative of the American
colonies, walking a delicatediplomatic tightrope.
Could he have risked everythingby actively participating in
(10:39):
illegal dissections?
Ben's position in London wasprecarious.
He was trying to navigate thecomplex politics of colonial
representation while maintaininghis scientific and social
connections.
Any scandal could have hugelyjeopardized his mission.
However, we also know that Benwas adept at managing his public
figure.
(10:59):
He might have felt that thepotential benefits of advancing
medical knowledge outweighed thepossible risks.
But then another questionemerges why bury the bodies in
the basement?
Why not return them to theirgraves under cover of darkness,
as was a common practice amongbody snatchers at this time?
Here we enter even murkierwaters of speculation.
(11:20):
Was there something uniqueabout these particular bodies
that required them to be hiddenaway permanently?
Were they the subjects ofexperiments too controversial to
risk any exposure?
Burying the bodies on site wasunusual, but not unheard of.
It might have been a matter ofconvenience or a response to
increased scrutiny fromauthorities.
(11:41):
There was also the possibilitythat these remains were kept for
ongoing studies.
Certain specimens, particularlythose showing unusual
pathologies, were highly prizedby anatomists.
Some have even suggested moresinister possibilities.
Could these bones be evidenceof a series of murders covered
up by Ben and William under theguise of medical research?
(12:03):
While there's no evidence tosupport such extreme theories,
they illustrate the power thisdiscovery has had on the public
imagination.
The idea that a belovedhistorical figure might have a
literal skeleton in his closet,or rather in his basement, is
undeniably captivating.
To explore this aspect evenfurther, while it is tempting to
(12:25):
imagine lurid scenarios, theevidence does not support
theories of murder.
The bones showed signs ofcareful, methodical dissection,
not violent trauma.
Moreover, the mix of adult andchild remains is consistent with
the general mortality patternsof the 18th century London.
What they were seeing is morelikely the result of
(12:46):
opportunistic body snatchingrather than targeted killings.
That said, the presence ofchildren's remains is
particularly upsetting, but it'salso important to remember that
infant mortality was high inthe 18th century and the bodies
of children were in very highdemand for anatomical studies.
This all is a stark reminder ofthe different attitudes towards
(13:08):
death and the body thatprevailed at this time.
As we consider all of thesepossibilities, it's crucial to
remember the context of the timeera.
The 18th century was an era ofradical change in scientific
thought.
The pursuit of knowledge oftenclashed with established laws
and societal norms.
What we might view as gruesomeor unethical today was often
(13:31):
seen as a necessary step towardsprogress.
It has been stated by doctorsthat we should not judge Ben or
William.
By modern standards, they weremen of their time, pushing the
boundaries of science in waysthat ultimately led to the
medical knowledge that webenefit from today.
The real question is notwhether they were involved in
these activities, but how theyreconciled them with their moral
(13:53):
beliefs.
The 18th century was a pivotaltime in the development of
medical ethics.
The concept of informed consentwas centuries away, and the
rights of the deceased wereviewed very differently than
they are today.
Anatomists like William Hewsongenuinely believed that their
work served a greater good,advancing medical knowledge that
(14:13):
could save countless lives.
At the same time, there was agrowing awareness of the ethical
issues surrounding bodysnatching and dissection.
The poor and marginalized weredisproportionately targeted by
resurrectionists, leading topublic outcry and riots in some
cases.
It's likely that Ben andWilliam were aware of these
tensions, which might explainthe decision to bury the remains
(14:36):
on site rather than to riskdiscovery.
It's worth noting that thisethical dilemma was not unique
to Ben and William.
Many of the anatomicalcollections that form the basis
of our modern medicalunderstanding have similarly
questionable origins.
It's a complex legacy that themedical community is still
grappling with to this day.
(14:56):
This ethical quandary leads usto another fascinating aspect of
the story the social and classdynamics that were at play.
18th century London was a citysharply divided by class.
The bodies found in Franklin'sbasement were likely those of
the poor.
They were the same people whowould have served in households
like Benjamin Franklin's, workedin the shops that he
(15:17):
frequented's worked in the shopsthat he frequented, or begged
on the streets that he wouldwalk.
There's a certain irony in thefact that, in death, these
individuals may have contributedto scientific advancements that
would primarily benefit thewealthy, at least initially.
It's also worth considering therole of women in the story.
Polly Stevenson, williamHewson's wife, was well-educated
(15:40):
and shared Ben's interest inscience.
Some historians have alsospeculated that she might have
assisted in her husband's work.
If this is true, it would addyet another layer to the
understanding of women'scontributions to science in the
18th century, to science in the18th century.
(16:07):
As these complex issues arebeing pondered, it is worth
considering how the discovery ofthis might change current
society's view and perception ofBenjamin Franklin.
Ben has long been viewed as asort of genial grandfather
figure of the AmericanRevolution, the wise, witty,
diplomat and inventor.
But this discovery reminds usthat he was a man of his time,
willing to push boundaries inthe pursuit of knowledge.
(16:28):
It adds a layer of moralambiguity to his character that
makes him in many ways morehuman and maybe even more
interesting.
We need to remember that Benwas a complex figure.
He was a slave owner who laterbecame an abolitionist.
He was a loyal British subjectwho became a leader of the
(16:49):
American Revolution.
This discovery fits into thatpattern of complexity.
It challenges us to see Ben notas a one-dimensional historical
icon, but as a multifacetedhuman being grappling with the
moral and intellectualchallenges of his era.
The bones in the basement alsooffer a unique window into the
(17:10):
scientific process of the 18thcentury.
The remains showed evidence ofvarious anatomical techniques
that were used at that time.
You can see where the skullswere carefully opened to examine
the brain, where the bones wereboiled to remove the flesh and
where different tools were usedto separate the joints.
It's almost like reading atextbook of 18th century
(17:33):
surgical practices, but it waswritten in bone.
One particularly interestingaspect is the evidence of
anatomical injections.
This was a technique wherecolored wax or mercury would be
injected into blood vessels tostudy the circulation.
It was a cutting-edge practiceat this time and it tells us
(17:54):
that whoever was working onthese remains was using the most
advanced methods available.
But the story does not end withthis initial discovery.
The find at 36 Craven Streetsparked a renewed interest in
Ben's time in London and thescientific circles that he moved
in.
This discovery has ledhistorians to re-examine Ben's
(18:15):
London years in greater detail.
Scientists and doctors todayare now looking more closely at
his connections to the medicalcommunity, his attendance at
scientific lectures and hiscorrespondence with other
researchers.
It's opening up new avenues ofstudy and changing their
understanding of Ben'sintellectual pursuits.
For example, they are payingmore attention to Ben's
(18:37):
interactions with otherscientific figures of the time,
like Joseph Presley, whodiscovered oxygen, and John
Hunter, the famous surgeon.
They are also looking at howBen's scientific interests might
have influenced his politicalthinking.
It's leading to a more holisticview of Ben as a figure of the
Enlightenment.
The discovery at Craven Streethas also had implications beyond
(19:00):
the world of historicalresearch.
The find has reignited debatesabout the ethics of using human
remains in medical research andeducation.
It has prompted museums andmedical schools to re-examine
their anatomical collections,considering issues of consent
and proper treatment of humanremains.
Considering issues of consentand proper treatment of human
(19:23):
remains.
In a way, these 18th centurybones are forcing us to confront
very 21st century ethicalquestions.
As our investigation draws to aclose, we were left with a
tapestry of facts, speculationsand unanswered questions.
The bones in BenjaminFranklin's basement stand as a
testament to the complexinterplay of science, ethics and
social dynamics in the 18thcentury.
What was found at Craven Streetis more than just a collection
(19:46):
of bones.
It is a time capsule ofEnlightenment-era scientific
inquiry.
These remains bear witness to apivotal movement in the history
of medicine, when researcherswere just beginning to unravel
the mysteries of human anatomy.
Every cut mark, every sign ofexperimentation tells us
something about the quest forknowledge that drove men like
(20:09):
William Hewson and BenjaminFranklin.
But the implications of thisdiscovery extend far beyond the
realm of historical curiosity.
The Craven Street Bones forceus to confront uncomfortable
truths about the foundations ofhistorical curiosity.
The Craven Street Bones forceus to confront uncomfortable
truths about the foundations ofmodern medicine.
Many of the anatomical atlasesand medical textbooks that
formed the basis of the 19th andearly 20th century medical
(20:31):
education were based on studiesof dubiously obtained bodies.
This discovery brings thatlegacy into sharp focus and asks
us to consider how do we honorthe contributions of these
unnamed individuals to medicalprogress.
How do we reconcile theundeniable benefits of this
research with the ethicalviolations involved in obtaining
(20:54):
the bodies?
This ethical quandary has ledto concrete actions in the
medical community In recentyears.
There has been a movement inmedical schools and museums to
reassess their anatomicalcollections.
Many institutions are workingto identify the origins of their
specimens, to provide propermemorials and, in some cases, to
(21:17):
replace or even return remains.
It's all a complex process thatinvolves balancing scientific
value, ethical considerationsand respect for the dead.
The discovery on Craven Streethas also sparked new debates in
the field of bioarchaeology.
The find sits at theintersection of several
(21:38):
disciplines history, archaeology, medical ethics and forensic
science.
It's encouraging collaborationbetween fields that don't always
interact.
For instance, historians areworking with forensic
anthropologists to piecetogether not just what happened
to these individuals after death, but to try to understand who
(21:58):
they might have been in theirlife.
As we reflect on this macabrediscovery, we're left with more
questions than answers.
But perhaps that's the truevalue of such findings they
challenge us to reconsider ourunderstanding of history and the
figures that we think of sohighly.
Whatever happened in thatbasement on Craven Street forces
us to grapple withuncomfortable truths about the
(22:20):
past.
It reminds us that progressoften comes at a cost and that
even our heroes had to navigatemurky ethical waters.
In studying this aspect ofBen's life, we're not
diminishing his achievements,but rather trying to gain a more
nuanced understanding of theworld that he inhabited and the
choices that he faced.
(22:41):
This discovery adds depth to ourunderstanding of Ben as a man
of science, and it places himfirmly in the context of the
Enlightenment's fascination withempirical knowledge and
hands-on experimentation.
At the same time, it raisesquestions about the limits of
that pursuit of knowledge.
Where did Ben draw the line?
How did he reconcile hisscientific curiosity with his
(23:05):
moral principles?
The Craven Street Bones offer usa unique window into a pivotal
moment in history.
This was a time when the oldworld of superstition and
tradition was giving way to thenew world of science and reason,
but that transition was notsmooth or straightforward.
The story of these bones, withall its moral ambiguity and
(23:26):
unanswered questions,encapsulates the complexities of
that historical moment.
Moreover, this discoverychallenges us to think about how
we approach history.
Too often we view historicalfigures as either heroes or
villains, but the reality isalways much more complex.
Ben was a brilliant inventor, askilled diplomat and a key
(23:48):
figure in the founding ofAmerica.
He was also a man who, at thevery least, turned a blind eye
to ethically questionablemedical practices happening
under his own roof.
Both of these things can betrue, and understanding that
complexity is key to trulyunderstanding history.
Today, 36 Craven Street standsas a museum where visitors can
(24:10):
learn about Ben's life and hiswork in London and, yes, they
can also hear the story of thebones in the basement, a
reminder that history is oftenfar more complex and morally
ambiguous than we might like tobelieve.
When you visit the house today,you can't help but be struck by
the contrast between theelegant Georgian rooms upstairs
(24:31):
and the knowledge of what wenton in the basement.
It's a physical representationof the duality we have been
discussing the public face ofenlightenment, progress and the
hidden costs of that progress.
As we close this episode, Iencourage our listeners to
consider how do we reconcile thegreat achievements of
historical figures with theethical standards of their time?
(24:54):
How might our own futuregenerations judge our own
pursuit of knowledge andprogress?
The story of the Craven StreetBones asks us to consider.
What are the ethical blindspots in our own society.
What practices do we accepttoday in the name of progress
that future generations mightfind morally questionable?
(25:14):
This is a reminder that ethicalreflection should be an ongoing
process, not just something weapply to the past.
Benjamin Franklin, it seems, wasnot just a statesman and an
inventor, but also a man wholived at the intersection of
Enlightenment ideals and thedark realities of 18th century
life.
His house on Craven Streetstands as a testament to the
(25:37):
complex legacy of a complex man,a legacy that continues to
fascinate and perplex us to thisday.
Thank you for joining us onthis journey into the past,
where we have learned thatsometimes the most illuminating
discoveries are made in thedarkest of places.
In the pursuit of historicaltruth, we must be willing to dig
(25:59):
deep, even if what we uncoverdisturbs us, for it is in
confronting these complexitiesthat we gain a truer
understanding of our sharedhuman story.
Until next time, keepquestioning, keep exploring and
never stop seeking the shadowsof history.
Alrighty, so it's that time,guys, to say goodbye, but before
(26:22):
I do so, I just want to send athank you to all of my listeners
for your continued love andsupport and for sending in cases
that you want covered andstories that you want read on
the podcast.
We truly accept all stories,including scary, paranormal and
funny.
Any cases you want covered orstories that you want read on
the podcast, just please sendthem in to darkcrossroadspodcast
(26:44):
at gmailcom.
Thank you for hanging out againtoday, and if you want any more
information about the podcastor cases and stories that we
cover, then head on over to thewebsite at
wwwdarkcrossroadspodcastcom.
There you can find all of theinformation about the podcast, a
link to our merch and also ourblog covering all of the cases
(27:05):
that we cover.
You can also find us on allsocial media platforms.
Don't forget to like share ratereview, subscribe wherever
you're listening to us.
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There is a link in all episodesin the notes that will send you
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(27:26):
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Every single dollar that comesthrough donations or through our
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going.
And with all of this said,please don't forget to be weird,
stay different and don't trustanyone.
Speaker 1 (27:47):
We share a love for the weird and scary.
When I record, I always feellike I can be myself with you.
Thank you for all of your time.
I couldn't do this without you.
Every week we have so much funSharing stories.
(28:11):
I don't know what I would dowithout dark crossroads.
Dark Crossroads Always beyourself and don't trust anyone.
When life gets ugly, we hopethat we can make it better.
(28:33):
When you can find your way home, we'll hear the dark crossbows.
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