Oyez, oyez, oyez! This hand bell was used by two of Billericay’s Town Criers to gain attention before they made announcements to the town. The bell was owned originally by Thomas Gentry, a Billericay Town Crier in the mid 19th century. It was passed from Thomas to his successor, Arthur Barfield. Arthur’s daughter returned it Read More…
19th Century Horn Lantern
Prior to the use of glass in lanterns, bovine horns could be used instead. By treating the horns, and stretching them they could be utilised to produce a transparent material that had the same effect as glass. Cow horn grows in layers, which makes it easier to separate, iron and then stretch to make the Read More…
The Battle of Talavera, 27th July 1809
The Battle of Talavera, 75 miles Southwest of Madrid is a primary example of the issues surrounding the box. Following this battle, Wellesley was ennobled as Viscount of Wellington, which would suggest that he performed admirably. However, the allied Anglo-Spanish forces at his disposal suffered more casualties than the French in this fight. Similarly, Wellesley’s Read More…
Royal Fire Insurance Mark
Originally, not all houses were covered by fire insurance. To distinguish which properties had paid for fire insurance, a metal plaque was attached and displayed on the front of the building so that fire services knew which houses were insured by them that they should save. Fire Marks and fire insurance as a concept emerged Read More…
The Battle of Vitoria, 21st June 1813
The Battle of Vitoria in June 1813 in Northern Spain can be seen as a decisive moment in the eventual downfall of the Napoleonic Empire. Although the French empire would survive for another two years, the battle at Vitoria in Spain marks the collapse of Napoleonic rule in Spain and therefore one of the first Read More…
Gaming set crafted by Napoleonic Prisoners of War (1803-1815)
The set includes a small wooden box, 50 dominoes and 27 playing cards. The playing cards and dominoes have been hand carved out of animal bones and intricately painted. The box, although now in poor condition, is fairly detailed, with patterns and painted figures down the sides and on the lid. The side panels of Read More…
Lion-headed Pomander
These objects were designed to be worn by ladies in particular in the Victorian, Edwardian and Elizabethan eras as a neck pendant but could also be found on chains worn on a belt or girdle. This particular pomander is designed with a lion’s head on the front and contains material on the inside which would Read More…