Sigmund Freud’s Ashes Targeted by Thieves at London Crematorium
Through a Car Window, Darkly: Sigmund Freud arrives in London in 1938. Image by getty images
Thieves have tried to steal an ancient Greek urn containing the ashes of psychoanalysis founder Sigmund Freud, leaving the container severely damaged, police said on Wednesday.
The urn was on display at Golders Green crematorium in north London, alongside memorials to other famous names such as Dracula author Bram Stoker and actors Sid James and Peter Sellers.
Staff found the damaged urn on the floor of the crematorium on New Year’s Day.
“This was a despicable act by a callous thief,” said Metropolitan Police Detective Constable Daniel Candler in a statement.
“Even leaving aside the financial value of the irreplaceable urn … the fact that someone set out to take an object knowing it contained the last remains of a person defies belief,” he added.
A message from our editor-in-chief Jodi Rudoren
We're building on 127 years of independent journalism to help you develop deeper connections to what it means to be Jewish today.
With so much at stake for the Jewish people right now — war, rising antisemitism, a high-stakes U.S. presidential election — American Jews depend on the Forward's perspective, integrity and courage.
— Jodi Rudoren, Editor-in-Chief
