Charles Dawson and Piltdown Man: a brief history of crime

Conference: Sussex Archaeological Society: 175 Years

Dates: 17/02/2024

Publication Date: 17/02/2024

Abstract:

n 1912, solicitor Charles Dawson announced that remains of the earliest human had been discovered near Piltdown in East Sussex. Dawson had been a member of the Sussex Archaeological Society for 20 years, acting as honorary local secretary for Uckfield, and Piltdown Man was of international importance, being the greatest find ever made in the county. Why then did the Society shun both Dawson and his fossil discovery? The story, as it developed in the aftermath of 1912, is one of animosity, suspicion, accusations, law-breaking, eviction, revenge and at least one highly suspicious death. Thanks to Charles Dawson, the Sussex Archaeological Society would never be the same again.

Source: Manual