Welcome to the website and blog of mortuary archaeologist, death historian and best-selling author Lorraine Evans. Focusing on new research and finds in the world of archaeology and history, this website will act as a hub for all Lorraine's archaeological passions, namely non-conformist burial sites, deviant burial practices, graveyards, historical death rituals, and anything out of the ordinary. The accompanying sister site, entitled Morte Photography and Research, which focuses on the surveying and recording of burial grounds throughout Scotland, can be found at http://www.mortephotography.co.uk
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NEW BOOK RELEASE: OUT NOW
Delighted to share details about my new book release. It is my second book published by Pen and Sword, and although some may view it as a departure from my usual research, it really isn't. All will be explained in a forthcoming blog post.The Life of a Medical Officer in World War One documents the experiences of Captain Harry Gordon Parker, a Captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps. A Regimental Medical Officer for the 2nd Manchester's Regiment, not only does it give the reader a rare insight into the conflict that engulfed Europe from 1914-1918 but also offers an honest assessment of the obligations undertaken by Medical Officers on the Western Front.
The Life of a Medical Officer gives a first-hand account of the carnage and the horrors of Arras, the Somme and Ypres and documents the Royal Army Medical Corps Chain of Evacuation, from the frontline to hospital bases sited along the coastline and beyond. It also reveals the challenges faced by civilian doctors in adapting to a new military regime, in addition to the trials of infected wounds, gas poisoning and shell shock. But not all is gloom and doom. A light-hearted assessment of military red tape is commented upon, including regiment life, trench foot and lice! Further details can be found in Books on the Menu.
Available via link below, all good book shops and Amazon
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Life-of-a-Medical-Officer-in-WWI-Hardback/p/23196
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Symbols of Mortality Exhibition, Orkney 2023
After numerous postponements, due to Uncle Covid, I am thrilled to announce my new exhibition on funerary art, symbolism and architecture will be opening this coming October in Kirkwall Museum, Orkney. Not only will said exhibition feature photographic images from the varied burials grounds dotted around the Orkney Isles, but will also display some wonderful related artefacts, generously loaned by St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall. A series of events is being planned (see EVENTS) as well as the publication of an exhibition catalogue, which will be for sale on site as well as via here. For those who cannot get to Orkney, or live abroad, there are plans to open a mini-exhibition online. Keep an eye on the EVENTS page here, and my social media, for regular updates.
If you would like to support my continuing work, a cup of coffee would be most gratefully appreciated. See adjacent button to the right.