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MUSEUM
TRAIL |
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The Royston Museum Trail guides the visitor through the history of Royston
and the surrounding area beginning with a range of archaeological finds
dating from the Ice Age through to the Romans and the Anglo-Saxons.
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On display for the first time is the collection of coins, tokens, and medals
dating from Roman times to the present day. |
The Royston Crow is still the town newspaper
and the majestic Columbian printing press is still in good working order.
(see right) It was used from the first edition in 1855 and commands the
attention as soon as you enter the museum.
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Sadly, the collection does not have any early Norman objects, but there are
some interesting medieval items (see window left), and a few objects dating
from the period when King James I favoured Royston for its excellent
hunting. |
A small case shows items
from the eighteenth
century
and this is followed by a display which traces the keen interest in music
and drama which flourished here in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Harmonium
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The next area is devoted to childhood and has a fascinating collection from
19th-20th century, which includes toys, books, dolls, games, and an old
school desk complete with inkwell. |
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The trail continues with three showcases which show objects used in the home
and in various occupations of the local people such as brewing, farming
(see right)
and trades from the 1800s through to the early 20th century.
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On the
right is an early 19th century apothecary's medicine chest in its entirety.
It is in a case with other
items of interest relating to the development of the sciences during the
19th century
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The
display above shows the marksmanship prize trophies from the
Volunteers of the 19th century, together with items from the Boer War and
two World Wars, a highlight of which is a child's collection of
memorabilia.
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The Johnson Matthey company was founded in 1813
and was the first firm to produce an automotive exhaust emission catalyst
(see abovr),
and it was made in Royston.
The company remains a world leader in the production of catalytic
converters. |
 Of
special interest is a scale model of Royston Cinema (above) which was built
in 1933 and was finally demolished after a fierce campaign to prevent its
closure ended in failure in 2000. |
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The last
display case is devoted to events from the 20th to 21st century, relating to
the Royal Family and in particular to the present queen and to the marriage
of the Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer.
Other items of particular
interest are a Beatles' programme, the first home computer (Sinclair ZX), a Rubik's Cube, and a time capsule assembled by the Royston Brownies in
1997 to be opened in 2027. |
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Copyright: Martin Kaszak |
Still on
the ground floor, go to the back lobby and be sure to see the panoramic view
of the Royston Cave.
This will give you some idea of the mystery of the Cave, which might not
necessarily be open at the time of your visit.
Then make your way upstairs and you will see one of our temporary
exhibitions, which usually change every six weeks. |
