Toulouse – 10th April 1814 The Battle of Toulouse was one of the last battles of the Napoleonic Wars and signifies the virtual collapse of the French empire. Toulouse was significant to the French and the region in particular as it was the regional capital. It was resolutely defended by the French who held it READ MORE…
Tag: Billericay
Ivor Roberts
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”22″ gal_title=”Object profile: Model ship”] This model of a 15th Century Dutch Admiralty Yacht was made by Ivor Hugh Roberts when he was only 17 years old. It was donated to the museum by Ivor’s father in the 1960s. Ivor was born in Hornsey in 1914, the only child of Hugh and Florence Roberts. READ MORE…
Town Crier’s Bell
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…
Gaming set crafted by Napoleonic Prisoners of War (1803-1815)
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”4″ gal_title=”Object profile: Gaming set”] 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 READ MORE…