It seems the good people of Brindle are quite sceptical – or at least those who attended the excellent talk by Tony Cunliffe at the Historical Society in May appeared to be. The talk took the form of an investigation into the historical and scientific evidence surrounding the Turin Shroud, with the audience cast in the role of Watson, Sherlock Holmes’ fictional sidekick.
The presenter clearly laid out the history of the Shroud, beginning with a demonstration using a full-sized replica of the linen cloth – all 14 feet of it. This helped to illustrate how the 1988 carbon-dating exercise later came under criticism because some researchers believed proper scientific protocol had not been fully followed. It is known that the Shroud was exhibited many times during the Middle Ages, and it is thought likely that it was handled in the same manner as demonstrated by volunteers in Brindle, holding it by the top edge.
Analysis of linen from the top right hand corner of the cloth has led some researchers to suggest that repairs had been carried out many years earlier. It was from this area that the carbon-dating sample was taken, leading critics to argue that the results may not have been representative of the original cloth.
The audience on Monday were presented with numerous scientific observations about the artefact, together with relevant extracts from the Bible, and at the end of the evening were asked to cast a secret ballot indicating whether they believed the relic to be authentic, an elaborate hoax, or something else. Those selecting the final option were invited to consider possible alternative explanations for how the cloth came to bear the image of a man.
The speaker has given this talk many times and revealed afterwards that, from all the results he has collected, around 50% of people believed the artefact to be authentic, while only 12% considered it to be a hoax. When the results were announced in Brindle, however, there was an almost equal split between the three options, with only 30% of attendees believing the cloth to be authentic and 35% suggesting that it was a hoax. So, as reported at the start, we are clearly a sceptical bunch in Brindle. That said, everyone commented favourably on the excellent presentation, which kept the audience engaged throughout the evening – including the sceptics. For a very detailed analysis of the fascinating Turin Shroud, visit the British Society for the Turin Shroud website: https://shroudofturin.uk
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