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colmuseums.bsky.social
Colchester Museums
@colmuseums.bsky.social
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We're renowned for Romans, cuckoo about clocks and wild for animals! Custodians of Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and Colchester's Natural History Museum.
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colmuseums.bsky.social
The Traitors is back and this castle corridor is not helping our nerves. It has the exact vibes of “someone is plotting and it is not the curators”.

If these old prison walls had a vote, would they stand with the Faithfuls or quietly shield a secret Traitor in the shadows?
A dim stone corridor in the castle prisons, with heavy brick walls, a low arched ceiling and metal-barred doors on either side. The passage is empty and lit by a few warm wall lights, so the far end of the corridor fades into shadow, giving the scene a tense, watchful atmosphere.
January 14, 2026 at 12:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
1669: Essex panicked over a dragon sighting. The beast escaped… into legend.
Its tale lives on in Mythical Creatures, now on at Colchester Castle: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/mythical-creatures
A young girl, her mother, and grandmother closely examine a coiled snake skeleton displayed in a glass case at a museum exhibit. The girl looks intrigued, pointing excitedly at the specimen, while the adults engage with her, smiling and discussing the display. In the background, a unicorn illustration and various artefacts hint at the exhibit's fantasy theme. Text in the upper right promotes the "Mythical Creatures" exhibition at Colchester Castle, running from 26 July 2025 to 22 February 2026. The Colchester Castle logo and photo credit to Tom Archer are also included.
January 13, 2026 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
We’re looking to collaborate with podcasters, bloggers, illustrators, artists, and other creatives who enjoy working with museums and heritage.

Projects can be big, small, sensible, or slightly odd.

Interested? Drop us a reply or a DM.
January 12, 2026 at 2:03 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Help Shape Climate Education in Schools! Join our Teacher Associate Group and collaborate to design school programs for the redeveloped Natural History Museum. Be part of a network creating classroom-ready resources and connecting the national curriculum to our local environment.
Promotional graphic for Colchester Museums’ Teacher Associate Group event. Includes Natural History Museum and Climate Museum UK logos, a sunset over a coastal landscape, and text inviting educators to join a network designing school programs for the redeveloped Natural History Museum. Event details: Thursday 22nd January 2026, 3:45–5:00 pm, Teams meeting. Contact: colchestermuseums.learning@colchester.gov.uk.
January 12, 2026 at 12:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Applications for our work experience close at the end of this week, so this is a final reminder to get yours in. We are offering a full week this August for 4 students in years 10–13.

The deadline is this Friday, 16 January, at 4pm. Details: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/work-experience
Two individuals standing in front of a stone wall inside a museum, each holding small artefacts or cards. A glass display case with objects and red information cards is visible to the right. Text overlay reads: ‘Work Experience – Colchester Museums, 17–21 August 2026. You’ll move between teams at our three museums, getting a taste of visitor services, learning, exhibitions, conservation and more, while building confidence, meeting new people and strengthening your CV.’ Logos and a link for Colchester Museums appear at the bottom.
January 12, 2026 at 8:01 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Door to door, day after day: in 1886, this bit of paper decided whether you were trading legally or risking trouble. This is pedlar James Lidman’s official certificate under The Pedlars Act. At 43, he was licensed to sell goods around Colchester for a year.
A worn and stained historical document titled “Pedlar’s Certificate” lies on a wooden surface. The certificate is creased and discolored, with faded handwritten details and printed text referencing the Pedlars Act. Surrounding the document are colorful fabric scraps in various shapes and a metal spoon partially visible at the top.
January 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
What is Colchester Castle like after closing time?

Our private Castle sleepovers give your group after-hours access, including some spaces that are not usually open, before you settle in for the night inside one of the UK’s most historic buildings.
Interior view of Colchester Castle museum gallery with Roman stone carvings and artifacts displayed in glass cases along a brick wall. Large white text reads “Sleep inside the Castle,” promoting private group sleepovers for ages 5+ from £17.50 per person. Smaller text at the bottom says “After hours at Colchester Castle.”
January 10, 2026 at 12:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Not everyone plotting around a table lives in a Scottish castle. This doll in Hollytrees has sat through decades of human drama and has never cracked once. That kind of stare would worry us at the round table. Faithful or Traitor?
A close up of a museum doll on display at Hollytrees Museum, with painted eyes, pale skin and neatly styled hair, standing upright in a case and staring slightly past the camera.
January 9, 2026 at 12:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Remember that quiet little lane with the dramatic spire at the end? This is the same spot decades apart, once watched over by a tall church tower and a shop yard, now framed by pubs, restaurants and a busy town centre.
Colour photograph taken from the same narrow street, showing a gently curving paved lane between closely packed buildings. The shopfronts include a bar and a pizzeria, painted cream, pink and blue, with barred windows and modern signs. In the distance a small square opens out with taller brick buildings and parked cars, and two people walk away from the camera.
January 8, 2026 at 12:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
That feeling when the skyline does all the talking. This narrow street once ended in a church spire. What stories do you think played out here, with workers, shoppers and churchgoers passing through? Have a guess for our #ThrowbackThursday challenge, with the answer later today.
Black and white photograph of a narrow street lined with two and three storey buildings, with a tall Gothic church tower and spire filling the background. A bicycle leans against a brick building on the left and two figures walk along the street towards the camera.
January 8, 2026 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
When the snow really settles, some people make a snowman. In 1906, this Colchester household decided that was far too simple. The note on the back of these photographs reads: “The Snowlady at Colchester and the snow elephant built by Grandpa Field in 1906 and helped by Guy Batholomew and others”.
A collage featuring two black-and-white photographs of snow sculptures. The top photo shows a large elephant sculpted from snow, standing outdoors near a wall and some stacked objects. The bottom photo depicts a full-length figure in a long dress, also made of snow, positioned in front of a wooden door. The collage is decorated with beige and white snowflake illustrations and a vintage-style streetlamp graphic at the bottom right.
January 7, 2026 at 12:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Dragon sightings? Or crocodiles on the loose? Escaped medieval menagerie beasts may have sparked some legendary fear.

See more at Mythical Creatures, on now at Colchester Castle: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/mythical-creatures
A taxidermy crocodile with an open mouth is displayed on a green surface in a museum exhibit. A nearby label titled "Mistaken Identity" explains how animals like crocodiles and snakes may have inspired mythical dragon sightings in medieval times. The crocodile's textured scales and sharp teeth are prominently visible. Overlay text promotes the "Mythical Creatures" exhibition at Colchester Castle, running from 26 July 2025 to 22 February 2026. The Colchester Castle logo appears in the bottom left, and photo credit is given to Tom Archer in the top right corner.
January 6, 2026 at 8:01 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Anyone out there making podcasts, blogs, art, or other good things and fancy collaborating with Colchester Museums this year?

We like history, creativity, and people who get excited about both.

Let’s chat!
January 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Reposted by Colchester Museums
notexxonsbitch.bsky.social
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
colmuseums.bsky.social Colchester Museums @colmuseums.bsky.social · 14d
As we reach the end of this year, thank you for every castle climb, Hollytrees visit and recommendation to a friend. See you in 2026 at Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum.

Plan your next visit: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk
Colchester Museums | Where History Comes Alive
Explore Colchester’s history at Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum, and the Natural History Museum. Enjoy exhibits, events, and thousands of years of stories.
colchester.cimuseums.org.uk
January 5, 2026 at 10:10 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
And at the moment has a rather fetching alligator companion on it!
A taxidermy crocodile is displayed on an intricately patterned Roman-style mosaic floor. The crocodile lies with its mouth slightly open and tail extended, surrounded by geometric and floral motifs in red, black, and beige tiles. The backdrop features a stone wall and museum exhibits behind glass, with various historical artefacts and display cases visible in the upper section. A floor lamp and lime-green wall segment add contrast to the setting.
January 5, 2026 at 10:32 AM
Reposted by Colchester Museums
prettylight10.bsky.social
🧵
colmuseums.bsky.social Colchester Museums @colmuseums.bsky.social · 10d
Ever noticed a double image when looking through some glass? This piece of Iceland spar, a transparent calcite, does just that. It naturally splits light into two rays, producing the illusion of double text. Scientists in the 1600s used it to investigate the nature of light and uncover polarisation.
A transparent crystal fragment resting on a white sheet of paper with printed text partially visible underneath. The crystal shows internal reflections and scratches, and its edges are uneven and chipped. The number “6823” is faintly visible on one edge. Through the crystal, reversed text and numbers from the paper beneath can be seen due to its optical properties.
January 4, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Reposted by Colchester Museums
robcruickshank.bsky.social
Paging Mr. Bird to ask why we keep ordering so much black sunflower seed and nyjer.
colmuseums.bsky.social Colchester Museums @colmuseums.bsky.social · 11d
This isn’t a radio - it’s a Dictograph telephone system from the 1920s–30s. Instead of dialling numbers, you pressed a switch to connect directly with departments. This one was probably used in the reception of a grain merchant.
A vintage wooden telephone switchboard with a black rotary-style handset resting on top. The front panel features a row of labelled toggle switches, each corresponding to different departments or functions. Labels above the switches include: “CASH,” “SALES MAN,” “ORDERS,” “TRANSP,” “MR BIRD,” and others. Two white buttons and one red button are positioned on the right side of the panel. Below the main image, there is a close-up inset showing the labels and switches in greater detail, with a red arrow pointing to the closer image.
January 3, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Reposted by Colchester Museums
donaeldtheunready.bsky.social
"Calling Mr Bird" sounds very much like the grain merchant equivalent of a theatre tannoy calling Mr Sands to the foyer.
colmuseums.bsky.social Colchester Museums @colmuseums.bsky.social · 11d
This isn’t a radio - it’s a Dictograph telephone system from the 1920s–30s. Instead of dialling numbers, you pressed a switch to connect directly with departments. This one was probably used in the reception of a grain merchant.
A vintage wooden telephone switchboard with a black rotary-style handset resting on top. The front panel features a row of labelled toggle switches, each corresponding to different departments or functions. Labels above the switches include: “CASH,” “SALES MAN,” “ORDERS,” “TRANSP,” “MR BIRD,” and others. Two white buttons and one red button are positioned on the right side of the panel. Below the main image, there is a close-up inset showing the labels and switches in greater detail, with a red arrow pointing to the closer image.
January 3, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Reposted by Colchester Museums
prettylight10.bsky.social
🧵
colmuseums.bsky.social Colchester Museums @colmuseums.bsky.social · 12d
In 1881, 12-year-old Emma Joslin of Little Braxted stitched this colourful sampler.

Samplers were a way for children to practise needlework, literacy and religious devotion. Emma included alphabets, numbers, crowns, trees and animals.
A rectangular sampler stitched on beige fabric featuring rows of colourful embroidery. The top section shows the alphabet in uppercase letters in red, followed by lowercase letters in blue, and numbers in green. Below, green text reads a religious verse: “This work in hand my friend will have / When I am dead and in my grave / Lord grant that I in heaven may be / And live with Christ eternally.” The lower section displays decorative motifs including trees, flowers, a crown, and geometric shapes in red, blue, green, and purple. At the bottom, green text states: “Emma Joslin finished this November 1881 / Little Braxted / Aged 12 years.”
January 2, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Reposted by Colchester Museums
wittspat.bsky.social
Any museum which has a mosaic peeking out tantalisingly from its picture deserves a visit! (The exquisite Middleborough mosaic, making this post a partial and early one for #MosaicMonday.)
colmuseums.bsky.social Colchester Museums @colmuseums.bsky.social · 14d
As we reach the end of this year, thank you for every castle climb, Hollytrees visit and recommendation to a friend. See you in 2026 at Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum.

Plan your next visit: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk
Colchester Museums | Where History Comes Alive
Explore Colchester’s history at Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum, and the Natural History Museum. Enjoy exhibits, events, and thousands of years of stories.
colchester.cimuseums.org.uk
December 31, 2025 at 5:07 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Our totally achievable resolutions:

- No more arguing about whether something is late Roman or early Saxon
- Only post objects we can pronounce confidently
- Resist turning everything into a thread
- Not mention it’s Norman *this time*
- Stop saying “this one’s a favourite” (it isn’t, they all are)
romanpalace.bsky.social Fishbourne Roman Palace @romanpalace.bsky.social · 14d
Here are the New Year's resolutions we plan to break in the next week or so:

Be nicer to #CuratorRob 🙄
Post about Fishbourne Roman Palace from time to time 🫡
Fewer typos 😳
Get over the whole "Villa" thing 🧐
Get engaged (we're looking at you, Merchy) 😍
January 5, 2026 at 10:28 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
This is a reminder that applications for our work experience week close next week!

We are offering placements this August for 4 students in years 10–13. To be considered you need to submit your expression of interest by 4pm on 16 January. Details: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/work-experience
Two individuals standing in front of a stone wall inside a museum, wearing name badges and microphones. One person is holding a small artefact, while a glass display case with various objects and red information cards is visible to the side. Text overlay reads: ‘Work Experience – Colchester Museums, 17–21 August 2026. You’ll move between teams at our three museums, getting a taste of visitor services, learning, exhibitions, conservation and more, while building confidence, meeting new people and strengthening your CV.’ Logos and a link for Colchester Museums appear at the bottom.
January 5, 2026 at 8:01 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Ever noticed a double image when looking through some glass? This piece of Iceland spar, a transparent calcite, does just that. It naturally splits light into two rays, producing the illusion of double text. Scientists in the 1600s used it to investigate the nature of light and uncover polarisation.
A transparent crystal fragment resting on a white sheet of paper with printed text partially visible underneath. The crystal shows internal reflections and scratches, and its edges are uneven and chipped. The number “6823” is faintly visible on one edge. Through the crystal, reversed text and numbers from the paper beneath can be seen due to its optical properties.
January 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
This isn’t a radio - it’s a Dictograph telephone system from the 1920s–30s. Instead of dialling numbers, you pressed a switch to connect directly with departments. This one was probably used in the reception of a grain merchant.
A vintage wooden telephone switchboard with a black rotary-style handset resting on top. The front panel features a row of labelled toggle switches, each corresponding to different departments or functions. Labels above the switches include: “CASH,” “SALES MAN,” “ORDERS,” “TRANSP,” “MR BIRD,” and others. Two white buttons and one red button are positioned on the right side of the panel. Below the main image, there is a close-up inset showing the labels and switches in greater detail, with a red arrow pointing to the closer image.
January 3, 2026 at 12:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
In 1881, 12-year-old Emma Joslin of Little Braxted stitched this colourful sampler.

Samplers were a way for children to practise needlework, literacy and religious devotion. Emma included alphabets, numbers, crowns, trees and animals.
A rectangular sampler stitched on beige fabric featuring rows of colourful embroidery. The top section shows the alphabet in uppercase letters in red, followed by lowercase letters in blue, and numbers in green. Below, green text reads a religious verse: “This work in hand my friend will have / When I am dead and in my grave / Lord grant that I in heaven may be / And live with Christ eternally.” The lower section displays decorative motifs including trees, flowers, a crown, and geometric shapes in red, blue, green, and purple. At the bottom, green text states: “Emma Joslin finished this November 1881 / Little Braxted / Aged 12 years.”
January 2, 2026 at 12:01 PM