A trip to a Worcestershire museum always gives you something interesting to look at and learn from. Yet, you might not realise that there are also some unexpected objects to be discovered in these places. Here are some of the eye-catching exhibits you might not have heard of before now.
The Worcestershire Conquest Hoard
This extraordinary collection of over 1,300 gold and silver coins was found close to Bransford and Leigh a couple of years ago. Described as one of the largest hoards of Roman coins ever seen in the UK, it was hidden inside a clay pot in the early years after the Romans arrived in the country and is believed to have represented the savings of a local farmer who supplied the troops with products.
It’s easy to see the appeal of these coins, since precious metals are a huge part of popular culture that fascinates us as much as the Romans. The games featured on this internet bingo UK website include the Gold Rush slot and Slingo Lucky McGold. Games like Slingo Centurion, Aztec Gold Collect, and Crazy Tiki let players experience the Roman Empire and other cultures while playing. Visiting this collection at the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum can be even more rewarding for someone who has learned about ancient cultures through games or other types of entertainment.
The World’s Largest Collection of Worcester Porcelain
The Museum of Royal Worcester is the place to go if you want to see the highlights of over two and a half centuries of porcelain production. Established in the 1750s as the Worcester Tonquin Manufactory, it soon became a renowned porcelain producer, with the addition of soapstone to the ingredients helping to create some of the finest examples of the time.
Possibly the most famous item in this collection is the Nelson Teapot, which was made for Admiral Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. With rich colours and Lord Nelson’s coat of arms on both sides, this distinctive teapot was part of a full breakfast set that the Royal Naval officer ordered when he visited the factory and was impressed by the porcelain products they created there.
A Woolly Mammoth and King John’s Teeth
The Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum has many fascinating objects, with some dating back to the Ice Age. You can get inside an Ice Age shelter and meet a Woolly Mammoth who goes by the name of Fluffy. Other collections here include geological materials, the Worcestershire Soldier exhibition and the Worcester City Museum Gallery.
This is also the place to take a look at a couple of the teeth that belonged to King John. His two molars were taken from his tomb at Worcester Cathedral in 1797. They were once put on display in the British Library, alongside the Magna Carta that he sealed, but their main home is here in Worcestershire.
By exploring the region’s fascinating museums, you can find out more about local history and see some unexpected exhibits that bring the past to life in new ways.
Written by Ben Spencer
