Museum collection tour 2019
During February and March 2019, we invited you to vote for your favourite object from a selection of 10 items from our archives.
We received 340 votes, and the results were as follows.
Object | Votes |
---|---|
Iron Age minted coins | 72 |
Clock and medal | 70 |
Women's war uniform | 69 |
Melted hotel bell | 58 |
Top hat and cane | 49 |
Roman pottery | 35 |
Olympic Games bronze medal | 33 |
16th century masonry | 32 |
Medal for exceptional service | 27 |
Tennis racket | 20 |
The 3 winning objects went on a touring exhibition of the borough throughout the summer and autumn of 2019. Visitors had an opportunity to handle objects, and interactive activities showed how we look after objects at the museum.
You can read a little about each of the winning objects below.
Iron Age minted coins
Did you know that people were exchanging money as early as 150BC? These coins, found in Thurrock, are thought to be the earliest examples of minted coins in this country – but who made them, and what do their images mean?

Clock and medal
This clock and medal were once awarded to a local hero for an act of bravery. The River Thames was a dangerous place in the 1900s, taking many lives. Discover out how a humble dock worker risked his own life to save another.

Women's war uniform
This uniform belonged to a local woman who carried out many important roles in south Essex during the Second World War. Find out about the woman who wore it and the Women's Land Army in Essex.

Heritage Fund support
This project was supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
