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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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Reposted by Colchester Museums
notexxonsbitch.bsky.social
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
colmuseums.bsky.social Colchester Museums @colmuseums.bsky.social · 4d
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 · 23h
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 · 1d
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 · 1d
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 · 2d
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 · 4d
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 · 5d
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
colmuseums.bsky.social
Happy New Year from Colchester Museums. Our sites are closed today for New Year’s Day, but we will be back to our normal opening hours from tomorrow and ready for your next visit.

Plan ahead and check opening times on our website: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk
A handwritten note taped to a stone wall with the message: “Happy New Year! We’re closed today, but will be back to normal hours tomorrow. See you soon!” The note is on white paper with blue ink and is secured with beige tape. In the blurred background, there is an old stone building with an arched window and a dome. The bottom right corner has the Colchester Museums logo.
January 1, 2026 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
We’ve watched visitors step through the castle gates to meet Romans, Saxons and Normans, then over to Hollytrees for toy kitchens, costume displays and stories of Colchester life.
Purple background with large semi-transparent numbers ‘2026’ in the centre. Overlaid in white cursive text reads ‘Happy New Year’. Below, smaller text says ‘From all of us at Colchester Museums’.
December 31, 2025 at 12:03 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
A castle wall that isn’t just a wall.

At Colchester Castle we use son et lumière projection to map 2,000 years of Colchester directly onto the castle itself, from Roman stonework to medieval drama and more.

Come and see the stories play across time: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colche...
December 30, 2025 at 12:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Museum work experience is more than shadowing for a day. This August we’re offering a full week with us for 4 students in years 10–13.

The deadline to submit your expression of interest is coming up: please apply by 4pm on 16 January. Details: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/work-experience
Person wearing purple gloves adjusting or examining a glass display case with red information cards and artefacts inside. 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.
December 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
It has felt far too quiet without you. Colchester Castle and the Natural History Museum are open again today and the mood has shifted already with visitors back in the galleries.

If you've missed these spaces as much as we have, today is a lovely time to come back and see what catches your eye.
A pyramid diagram parodying Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for museum visits. From bottom to top: Getting everyone dressed and to the museum. Touring Roman vaults and the castle roof. Renewing annual pass and planning next visit. Taking a smug selfie in the gaol. Reading every object label.
December 28, 2025 at 11:01 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
There is a special kind of curiosity that comes with a box full of tiny bottles. This polished wooden case looks like a writing desk at first glance, but inside it hides a 19th‑century medicine chest.
A closed polished wooden box with a brass lock and a metal ring attached to a paper tag on top. Text overlay reads: “At first glance, this polished wooden box could pass for a writing desk. But open the lid and drawers, and it reveals a full portable pharmacy.”
December 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Family singalongs where nobody quite knows the words but everyone joins in anyway might be peak Boxing Day. This 1920s Jays Furnishing leaflet from Jays Furnishing Stores in Colchester is a reminder that some families once gathered round the piano with sheet music instead of a TV remote.
Vintage sheet music cover titled “Album of Popular Melodies for Community Singing” with an illustration of a conductor pointing towards a large crowd in a stadium. The text lists songs in Book No. 4: “Annie Laurie,” “Auld Lang Syne,” “The More We Are Together,” “There is a Tavern in the Town,” “Bonny Banks o’ Loch Lomond,” and “When Johnny comes marching home.” At the bottom, it reads: “With the compliments of Jay’s Furnishing Stores, 4 St. Botolph’s Street, Colchester (Telephone: 749).”
December 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
The tree is twinkling, the corridors are quiet, and we're very grateful for everyone who has visited and supported Colchester Museums this year.

If you're thinking about a trip over the festive break, or in the new year, you can find visit details here: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit-us/
A decorated Christmas tree with gold baubles and heart shaped ornaments stands inside a stone corridor at Colchester Castle, with soft glowing light from a tall narrow window behind and added sparkle effects around the tree. White text over the image reads “From our castle to yours, Merry Christmas.”
December 25, 2025 at 8:01 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Thank you so much for visiting us this year! We’re wishing you a joyful festive season and a bright, inspiring start to 2026.

We’ll be taking a short break from 24–27 December and on 1 January, but we’ll be open as usual from 28–31 December. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon!
Green and white illustrated poster from Colchester Museums announcing holiday closure. Text reads: ‘We are closed for Christmas (and New Year’s Day). See you on 28th December.’ At the top is the Colchester Museums logo, and at the bottom is a simple line drawing of a historic building with a flag.
December 24, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
If you're still out shopping for Christmas, visit our gift shop before we close for the holidays. We have unique books, toys, games, and local treats you won't find in chain stores. Stop by to finish your list in one go, before we close until after Christmas!
December 23, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Ever wondered what it’s like to work in a museum?

We're offering a week-long work experience placement for 4 students in years 10–13. Apply by 4pm, 16 January. Learn more here: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/work-experience

Please share with any young person who’d jump at this.
Two people wearing purple gloves working with a glass display case in a museum setting. The display contains red information cards and artefacts. 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 links for Colchester Museums and event details are shown at the bottom.
December 22, 2025 at 12:53 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
🍑🍑🍑
girlinthe.bsky.social Katie Birkwood @girlinthe.bsky.social · 14d
And @colmuseums.bsky.social Mythical Creatures v gd for #MuseumBums afficianados.
A massive nut shaped like a bum in a museum case. Museum explanatory text for the bum nut. It's from a palm tree in the Seychelles and used to be known as 'Lodoicea callipyge' (the latter meaning 'beautiful rump'.)
December 22, 2025 at 11:41 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Clearly some things need minimal to no improvement eh?
girlinthe.bsky.social Katie Birkwood @girlinthe.bsky.social · 14d
Went to @colmuseums.bsky.social Colchester Castle last week and loved their vast Roman collections. But the stand-out was this medieval Swiss Army Knife/vanity set. Look at it! cim-web.adlibhosting.com/ais6/Details...
Object on display in a museum case. It's long and thin and made of bone or ivory, and has several layers, some of which poke out the sides, like the sections of a modern Swiss Army Knife.
December 22, 2025 at 11:41 AM