After royal wear came a very human journey: gifted to a lady‑in‑waiting, passed to a friend, then to a daughter, and finally to the donor who kept them safe. A life in stitches, from palace wardrobe to museum store.

Read and explore more in our online collections: buff.ly/rbq4jnb

It’s perfect for preschoolers who love to investigate. Just £3 per child, and grown-ups go free. Don’t miss out – book today: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/mmenov/

The main reasoning for it is that he visited Colchester as a Prince in 1856 and the townsfolk made a big to do about it all over the city. I would need to check the accession date on the arms - I suspect that would help narrow it down quickly.

From a light box to a dark tent, children can investigate how shadows form, explore animals of the day and night, and enjoy activities designed for curious under-5s.

Tickets are just £3 per child, with free entry for adults. Book now to secure your spot: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/mmenov/

Spiral stairs and underground vaults make access tricky, so we’re testing setups and aiming to pilot in early 2026. Access info: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/access/

#CaptioningAwarenessWeek #CAW2025 #AccessibleArts #18Million

Same for us! Though how often one is looking up at that angle must be rare.

Fires were sadly common on busy commercial streets in the early 20th century, when display lighting, heating and packed storerooms sat behind timber shopfronts. Scenes like this surfaced regularly in local papers and photography, capturing the town mid‑recovery.

Our thanks to Heather Johnson for lending her impressive collection of early poppies. If you’re interested to learn more, her book is available in our shop. Visit the Castle to see the display: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colche...

Alongside, our recent Poppy exhibition explores how the flower became a symbol of remembrance over the past 100 years and tells the story of Anna Guérin whose poppy appeal helped remembrance take root.