Anatomy at the Ossuary
Anatomy at the Ossuary
Osteopath and Anatomist Timm Smith is delighted to bring a series of educational, engaging and interactive anatomy presentations to St Leonard’s Ossuary. Drawing inspiration from the sacred structures housed within the crypt, Timm offers a compelling exploration of the anatomy that unites us all.
Blending osteopathic insight with rich etymological storytelling, he creates an accessible and thought‑provoking experience suitable for everyone — from aspiring anatomists to curious members of the public. Each session invites visitors to look more closely, think more deeply, and appreciate the remarkable human form through history, language, theology and structure.
Join Osteopath and Anatomist Timm Smith for an educational and entertaining presentation on general anatomy, with a focus on the bones present in St Leonard’s Ossuary.
The presentation will be 45 minutes and tickets are available for just £10. The presentation will take place on the 25th of June at 6.15 and will take place at St Leonard’s Ossuary.
St Leonard’s Church and Ossuary, Oak Walk, Hythe, CT21 5DN
Join Osteopath and Anatomist Timm Smith for an educational and entertaining presentation on general anatomy, with a focus on the bones present in St Leonard’s Ossuary.
The presentation will be 45 minutes and tickets are available for just £10 The presentation will take place on the 23rd of July at 6.15 and will take place at St Leonard’s Ossuary.
St Leonard’s Church and Ossuary, Oak Walk, Hythe, CT21 5DN
What to Expect During Your Session
Our Anatomy at the Ossuary talks are designed to be interactive and genuinely fascinating, with small groups of up to six people to ensure everyone can see, ask questions, and take part.
After a short introduction to the Ossuary, we begin our exploration.
🦴 The Wall of Long Bones
We start by turning our attention to the striking Wall of Long Bones. Together, we:
Identify the long bones of the human body
Locate each one on our own bodies
Discuss their functions, how they support movement, and the dysfunctions or injuries many of us experience simply by being human
💀 The Skulls on the Shelves
Next, we move to the shelves of skulls - one of the most remarkable features of St Leonard’s Ossuary.
Here, we explore:
The bones that form the skull
The sutures (joint lines) that fuse those bones together
The foramina (holes) that allow nerves and blood vessels to pass
The structures and cavities inside the skull
We also discuss accessory structures in the the ossuary and have time to round up the talk.
Respect a Sacred Space
Respect for the Ossuary
While Anatomy at the Ossuary celebrates curiosity, learning, and the extraordinary story of the human body, it is essential that this sense of wonder is always paired with respect.
The remains housed in the crypt are those of real individuals, each with their own history, community, and place in the life of Hythe. As visitors and learners, we honour them by maintaining a thoughtful and considerate atmosphere throughout our time in the space.
Guidelines for All Attendees
To ensure the protection of the Ossuary and the dignity of those whose remains are present, St Leonard’s Church and ‘Anatomy at the Ossuary’ kindly asks that all visitors follow these rules:
Do not touch the structure, shelves, or any part of the crypt itself. The building and its arrangement of remains are fragile and historically significant.
Designated anatomical tools and teaching materials will be provided. These are the only items that may be handled during the session.
No filming is permitted. This protects both the sanctity of the space and the privacy of other attendees.
Photography is welcome for non‑commercial use. Please take images respectfully and without disturbing the environment or others.
These guidelines help preserve the Ossuary for future generations and ensure that our learning takes place in a manner that honours the people and the place that make it possible.
Acknowledgement & Thanks
Anatomy at the Ossuary is made possible through the generous support and collaboration of St Leonard’s Church, Hythe, whose stewards and community have welcomed this educational project with openness and enthusiasm. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share the wonder of human anatomy within such a historically significant and sacred space.
You can learn more about St Leonard’s Church and its remarkable ossuary by visiting their website: www.slhk.org
Meet Timm Smith
The Osteopath behind it all: Timm Smith is an incredibly passionate anatomist who produced the presentations at the Ossuary as a means to educate and inspire the public to learn more about the fascinating world of anatomy.
Submit an Enquiry
If you have any questions for Timm, please use the following link, and he will get back to you as soon as possible.