IS THE MAP GENUINE? 

Skeleton Island first appeared in a book titled Captain Kidd and his Skeleton Island, written by H.T Wilkins and published by Cassells and co. of London, in 1935. 

The book or rather the chart it contained, caused quite a stir amongst the self confessed experts! The popular view, maintaining, that the chart was a figment of the authors imagination. The author, Mr Wilkins' presented his manuscript to the publishers, they in turn asked the author why the Skeleton Island chart did not appear to possess directions which would lead to a buried cache. The author is then accused of adding the directions to the chart, in order to make it appear authentic, (possible).

However, my first reaction on viewing the chart was my unexplainable belief in its authenticity! Perhaps I was influenced by my subconscious, it was genuine. I can't really say what influenced my mind, I just knew the chart to be real!!

However possessing an overwhelming belief in something is great, if your content with just the thought, I wasn't. Not only did I want to believe it to be real, I wanted to prove to the experts and other doubting Thomas's that the island it portrayed does exist! In short I wanted to find the hidden cache it conceals.

But first I had to get accustomed to the chart and familiarize myself with the style and intent of the artist. If the chart is genuine, then its contents and context must be related to the period the chart was drawn. The date on it showing 1669. It's therefore that period of history which is the backdrop to my theory.

For instance, the writing implements of the period infers that the chart was not a quick note scribbled with a biro. Therefore everything drawn would have a deliberate meaning and a deliberate shape to the letters and figures drawn, even to a possible red herring! But where to start? Before going any further it would be a good idea to click on this link to download the chart. Right click and choose new window so you can refer to it throughout. Skeleton Island

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