I’m pleased to say that the hoardings around the glacial boulder in the University Old Quad next to the museum have been taken down.

Here’s what we’ve got about the boulder in our new Ice Age display:

In 1888, during the construction of a sewer on Oxford Road, an enormous boulder was discovered, that had originated in the Lake District, more than 80 miles away. It has been displayed in the Old Quad next to the Museum ever since.

The icebergs vs land ice debate was still raging. William Boyd Dawkins, the first curator of Manchester Museum, favoured drifting icebergs.

The Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, February 21st 1888

Excavating the boulder at the junction of Oxford Road and Ducie Street
Image courtesy of Buxton Museum