Joseph Carey Merrick was born in Leicester in 1862. He exhibited himself in various freak shows and penny shows around London's East End. Joseph Merrick died on 11 April 1890 at The London Hospital on the Whitechapel Road in the East End of London. Is is believed Joseph agreed to donate his remains to medical science, although there is no record or proof of this request.  Joseph's bones were bleached after his death and put on display for medical students. It has never been possible to extract  DNA from Joseph's remains because of their condition and we believe he should be returned home and buried with his mother in the family plot in Welford Road Cemetery in Leicester. Joseph Merrick displayed himself in life to earn a living, it was his decision, he should not be displayed in death. May he rest in peace. ***The petition respects the wishes of the 'Potterton' and 'Merrick' families.  The opinions of Joseph Merricks collateral descendants are therefore never compromised***