<p><br /> A whale skeleton believed to be the biggest object found by archaeologists in London has gone on display.<br /> </p><p><br /> Remains of the headless North Atlantic right whale, measuring 23ft (7m) long and weighing half a tonne (500kg), were dug up at Bay Wharf, Greenwich, southeast London. It is believed the animal was killed by whalers 200 years ago after swimming up the Thames.<br /> </p><p><br /> The skeleton has been put on display for the first time at the Museum of London Docklands. Francis Grew, senior curator of archaeology at the museum, said: "This is probably the largest single object ever to have been found on an archaeological dig in London.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Whales occasionally swim into the Thames, and there are historical accounts of the enormous public excitement they engendered. To have found a skeleton, which just possibly might be linked with one of those sightings, is quite incredible."<br /> </p><p><br /> The skeleton will be eventually transported to the Natural History Museum, where it will be carbon-dated and studied by researchers. Scientists can use the bones to extract DNA and stable isotopes, which can provide information about genetic diversity, distribution in the ocean and feeding strategies.<br /> </p><p><br /> Richard Sabin of the Natural History Museum said: "Although once common in British waters, North Atlantic right whales are now endangered making this discovery particularly fascinating, as it offers us a snapshot into the past of these amazing mammals, whilst providing a valuable scientific resource for contemporary zoological studies."<br /> </p>
