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colmuseums.bsky.social
Colchester Museums
@colmuseums.bsky.social
15K followers 970 following 3K posts
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
Looking for a festive plan you can book today? We’ve got a few last-minute spaces across Christmas events at Colchester Museums. Reserve your spot now, all tickets are available online: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events
Promotional graphic with the heading “Tickets Still Available!” in white text at the top. Below are four red panels listing festive events with dates, times, and prices, each accompanied by a white snowflake icon: A Christmas Carol – 15 December, 6 PM to 7:45 PM, £11.25. Tiny Tots Grotto – 18 December, limited times, £8. Starlight Grotto – 18, 19, 22 December, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, £15. An Evening with Father Christmas and Friends – 20 December, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, £22.50. Background shows a festive winter scene with snow and a gloved hand raised in the air.
December 14, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Two Roman earrings, hidden beneath Colchester during the chaos of AD 60/61, survived to tell their story. This Christmas you can adopt them and support the care of the Fenwick Treasure.

Adopt the Fenwick Earrings: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/adoptanobject

Would you wear these today?
December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Still time to book for the last Mini Museum Explorers of the year – and it’s going to be a festive one! Join us on Tuesday to explore the North Pole through stories, crafts, and sensory activities.
A close-up of a child in a yellow shirt playing with colourful ice cubes in a tray. Text reads: “Mini Museum Explorers, 16 December” and “An icy adventure awaits” with the Natural History Museum logo.
December 13, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
A present that won’t gather dust: adopt a medieval mystery.

The Green Lady of St Osyth is a 14th‑century wall painting, rescued and now cared for by Colchester Museums. Your gift supports conservation and keeps her story public.

Adopt: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/adoptanobject
December 12, 2025 at 7:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
A gift with bite, feathers, or a very big set of antlers. This Christmas, adopt a Natural History object and help us look after the wildlife stories in our care.

Adoptions support conservation, research and sharing these specimens with everyone: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/adoptanobject/
Festive promotional graphic for Colchester Museums’ “Adopt an Object” campaign. Large black and gold text reading “Adopt an Object” is positioned centrally, surrounded by images of natural history specimens wearing red and white Santa hats. These include a mounted deer skull with antlers at the top, a crocodile skull with sharp teeth on the left, a small furry mammal resting on a rock to the right, and a row of six birds along the bottom. The website address “colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/adoptanobject” appears in black text at the bottom of the design.
December 12, 2025 at 8:01 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Time for our reveal! This morning’s #ThrowbackThursday photo showed the bottom of East Hill in Colchester, snapped back in 1973. Some of the businesses have changed, but the buildings have stood the test of time. It’s amazing how much (and how little) can change in 50 years!
Black-and-white photograph of a row of traditional British high street buildings with pitched tiled roofs and multiple chimneys. The façades feature a mix of plaster and timber framing, with large sash windows and shopfronts at street level. Visible signage includes “Hovis” above a bakery window and a hanging sign with a stag silhouette reading “Royal Stag.” A few pedestrians walk along the pavement, and a classic car is parked on the road to the right. The street appears quiet, with wet tarmac suggesting recent rain. Street view of a row of historic buildings with timber-framed façades and pitched tiled roofs along a quiet road. The nearest building has a white upper section and purple lower section with a large sign reading “www.nakathai.com – Authentic Thai Restaurant & Lounge.” Other buildings in pastel shades of pink, green, and cream extend down the street, featuring sash windows and traditional shopfronts. A tall utility pole stands on the pavement in front of the restaurant, and several cars are parked further along the road. The sky is overcast, casting soft light across the scene.
December 11, 2025 at 12:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
We’re winding the clock back to 1973 for today’s #ThrowbackThursday! Hints include a hairdresser, a bakery, and some very 70s signage. Look closely - these buildings are still familiar today!

Pop your guesses below, and we’ll reveal the scene as it looks now this afternoon 👀
Black-and-white photograph of a row of traditional British high street buildings with pitched tiled roofs and multiple chimneys. The façades feature a mix of plaster and timber framing, with large sash windows and shopfronts at street level. Visible signage includes “Hovis” above a bakery window and a hanging sign with a stag silhouette reading “Royal Stag.” A few pedestrians walk along the pavement, and a classic car is parked on the road to the right. The street appears quiet, with wet tarmac suggesting recent rain.
December 11, 2025 at 8:01 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Dragons don’t care for tinsel. They’re more interested in gold. According to legend, disturb a dragon’s treasure and you might ruin more than your holiday.

This December, meet the dragon in Mythical Creatures at Colchester Castle: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/mythical-creatures
A brightly coloured cut-out of a dragon with vivid blue and orange scales lies curled atop a hoard of illustrated treasure in a museum display. In front of the dragon is an open storybook showing a vibrant illustration under the heading "Chapter Three." Behind the scene are glass display cases containing historical artefacts, and a stone-effect wall lined with ivy. A second cut-out, partially visible, features a pale, ethereal female figure. Promotional text announces the "Mythical Creatures" exhibition at Colchester Castle, running from 26 July 2025 to 22 February 2026. Tom Archer is credited as the photographer.
December 10, 2025 at 8:01 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
It’s the final Mini Museum Explorers of the year, and we’re heading north – all the way to the North Pole! Join us at the Natural History Museum on Tuesday 16 December for a chilly-but-cheerful session packed with story, sensory play, and festive fun.
A smiling child in a green jumper throws their hands in the air with excitement, standing in front of a white background. Text reads: “Mini Museum Explorers, 16 December” and “Make learning exciting” with the Natural Museum logo.
December 9, 2025 at 8:01 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Some objects are coy, but these ones wink. A Roman charm that really takes off, a medieval figure with nothing to hide, a pot that makes a race rather racy, and the Castle’s finest seat in the house, all after a loving adopter. From £10: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/adoptanobject
Promotional graphic for Colchester Museums’ “Adopt an Object” campaign. The design features large black and gold text reading “Adopt an Object” in the centre, surrounded by images of historical artefacts. These include a framed photograph of a person in medieval-style armour inside a stone chamber, a textured ceramic vessel, a bronze object with a looped end, and a sculpted relief showing a seated figure. At the bottom, the website address “colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/adoptanobject” appears in black text.
December 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Tickets still available for An Evening with Father Christmas and Friends at Colchester Castle this month. Sat 20 Dec, doors 6:15pm, event 6:30–8:30pm. Games, quiz, craft, warm treat, and a gift for each paying child. £12 adult, £22.50 child. Book: buff.ly/rjBrCnB
A festive promotional graphic featuring a close-up of a decorated Christmas tree with green branches, ornaments, and warm lights on the right side. In the background, there is a rustic wooden interior with soft golden bokeh lights. Overlaid text in white on a green translucent rectangle reads: “An Evening with Father Christmas and Friends 20 December 6:30pm to 8:30pm £12 per adult | £22.50 per child.”
December 7, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Still looking for a little Christmas magic? Colchester Castle’s Starlight Grotto has tickets left. Step into a cosy, candlelit setting to meet Father Christmas, share your wishes and pick up a festive gift.

Book now and make a memory: buff.ly/2aqmmQf
Festive promotional image for an event titled “Starlight Grotto.” The foreground shows a close-up of decorative garland made of green and white shredded strips, arranged densely along a railing with small warm lights creating a soft glow. In the background, slightly blurred, is a large blue and yellow dragon sculpture set within an indoor space featuring stone walls and arched openings. Overlaid text in white on a green translucent panel reads: “Starlight Grotto 18, 19 and 22 December 5:30pm to 8:30pm £6 per adult | £15 per child.”
December 6, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Own a little piece of Roman Britain, in spirit if not in your pocket. When you adopt one of our featured objects, you back the care and research that keeps history alive.
Promotional graphic for Colchester Museums’ “Adopt an Object” campaign. The design features bold black and gold text reading “Adopt an Object” in the centre, surrounded by images of historical artefacts. These include a bronze seahorse figurine on a clear stand, a textured ceramic vessel, a gold ring with a green gemstone, a gold earring with two suspended beads, a terracotta head fragment, and a small bird-shaped pendant. At the bottom, the website address “colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/adoptanobject” is displayed in black text.
December 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Welcome back! This morning’s Throwback Thursday photo was East Street in Colchester, looking west towards East Bridge.

The scene has changed in some ways (no more tramlines or telegraph wires overhead) but many of the buildings remain. Just look at that shop on the right, still standing!
Historic black-and-white photograph of a street lined with timber-framed and brick buildings, featuring large multi-paned windows and sloping tiled roofs. A tram track runs along the centre of the road beneath overhead wires supported by tall poles and ornate metal brackets. Several people stand or walk along the pavement, and a horse-drawn cart is visible further down the street. Utility poles and wires dominate the skyline, while the road curves gently into the distance, revealing more buildings and a slight rise in the background. Street scene at sunset showing a gently curving road lined with historic timber-framed buildings on both sides. The left side features a row of tall, narrow structures with multi-paned windows and steep tiled roofs, their façades illuminated by warm sunlight. On the right, a white-painted building with dark wooden framing and a sloping roof stands prominently in the foreground. A few cars are parked further down the street, and a person walks along the pavement. The sky is partly cloudy with golden light breaking through, casting long shadows and creating a soft glow across the architecture.
December 4, 2025 at 12:01 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Throwback Thursday time! Can you guess where this photo was taken? This street once bustled with trams and horse-drawn carts, but you're far more likely to find cars these days.

📸 Come back this afternoon to see how it looks today!
Historic black-and-white photograph of a street lined with timber-framed and brick buildings, featuring large multi-paned windows and sloping tiled roofs. A tram track runs along the centre of the road beneath overhead wires supported by tall poles and ornate metal brackets. Several people stand or walk along the pavement, and a horse-drawn cart is visible further down the street. Utility poles and wires dominate the skyline, while the road curves gently into the distance, revealing more buildings and a slight rise in the background.
December 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
White. Wild. Wonderfully wintry. Unicorns have long been linked with purity and stories that glimmer in the cold.

See them in Mythical Creatures, on now at Colchester Castle: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/mythical-creatures
Two boys stand side by side, observing a museum display case containing a unicorn-themed tapestry, a large horn, and an animal skull. They are positioned near a large illustrated cut-out of a rearing unicorn against a stone wall backdrop. An older adult with a walking stick is also partially visible to the left. The scene promotes the "Mythical Creatures" exhibition at Colchester Castle, running from 26 July 2025 to 22 February 2026. The exhibition logo and date details are overlaid in the bottom right, alongside the Colchester Castle logo. Photo credit is given to Tom Archer.
December 3, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Reposted by Colchester Museums
lizgloyn.bsky.social
...all I'm saying is that the @colmuseums.bsky.social team clearly thought very carefully about which objects to offer for adoption.
colmuseums.bsky.social Colchester Museums @colmuseums.bsky.social · 12d
Giving Tuesday feels like a good day to show a little love to Colchester’s stories. If something in our collections makes you smile, you can adopt it, or gift an adoption to someone who’d love it.

Adopt: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/adoptanobject/
December 2, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Reposted by Colchester Museums
madlinsudn.bsky.social
As featured in my Good Gifts Guide

(> madlinblog.wordpress.com/2025/11/17/g...)

#GivingTuesday
colmuseums.bsky.social Colchester Museums @colmuseums.bsky.social · 12d
Giving Tuesday feels like a good day to show a little love to Colchester’s stories. If something in our collections makes you smile, you can adopt it, or gift an adoption to someone who’d love it.

Adopt: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/adoptanobject/
December 2, 2025 at 8:39 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Giving Tuesday feels like a good day to show a little love to Colchester’s stories. If something in our collections makes you smile, you can adopt it, or gift an adoption to someone who’d love it.

Adopt: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/adoptanobject/
December 2, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Signals, a Colchester creative digital learning charity, has released a new documentary from its three‑year “Peoples of Essex” project, tracing arrivals from early humans to today. Early on, our curator Ben Paites introduces Roman Colchester. Watch: youtu.be/Obb2wbC3bag?...
Peoples of Essex Documentary
Peoples of Essex Exhibition and Documentary Series Peoples of Essex is an exhibition and documentary project exploring the history of migration and settlement in Essex. From early humans arriving…
youtu.be
December 1, 2025 at 7:30 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
These remarkably modern looking jewelry pieces are proudly on display in the Castle. Not only can you see them, but we also have replicas of some of them in the gift shop!
theduncanmackay.bsky.social Duncan Mackay @theduncanmackay.bsky.social · 16d
A pair of gold armbands from the Colchester Fenwick hoard, buried before Boudica’s attack in AD60. As the Roman last stand took place where Colchester Castle now sits, the owner may have perished where their jewellery is now displayed @ColMuseums.bsky.social
#FindsFriday #BoudicaFriday #Echolands
A pair of gold wire armbands created from repeated figure eights, one seen through the loops of the other.
December 1, 2025 at 12:52 PM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Pencils poised, imaginations soaring. These young storytellers are discovering myths and writing their own in Mythical Creatures at Colchester Castle. Your turn?

#MythicalCreatures #ColchesterCastle #InteractiveLearning
Two boys interact at a museum exhibit; one, wearing a green sports shirt, proudly shows a sketchbook featuring hand-drawn mythical creatures, while the other, in a burgundy top, watches with interest. A red pencil lies on the wooden cabinet between them, hinting at creative activities available. Behind them is a stone-textured wall and part of a colourful display. Promotional text announces 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 visible.
November 26, 2025 at 8:01 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
We’ve worked with AccessAble to publish a Detailed Access Guide for Natural History Museum, Colchester. Plan your visit with clear info on facilities and routes: www.accessable.co.uk/essex/essex-...
Promotional graphic announcing Natural History Museum, Colchester on AccessAble. Large text reads “We are now on AccessAble” with the purple and green AccessAble logo. A laptop screen shows the museum’s AccessAble page with name, address and contact details, plus options for photos, map and accessibility symbols. Two preview images show the museum exterior and an interior gallery scene.
November 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
It’s not every day you meet a pair of stockings with a back story. These fine cream silk stockings once belonged to Queen Victoria. Look closely and you’ll spot the crowned “VR” picked out in openwork, a leaf‑shaped clock running neatly to the toes, and the tiny numbers 8 and 12 on each leg.
Close-up of a cream silk stocking laid flat showing the openwork crowned "VR" monogram near the top, fine knit, and a leaf-shaped decorative clock running down the side toward the ankle. Pair of cream silk stockings side by side, showing the doubled top edge with a small semicircular side tab, subtle knit changes at heel and toe, and the small numbers “8” and “12” below the crowned VR monogram.
November 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM
colmuseums.bsky.social
Slip past the door and into the 1200s. Tucked behind the castle’s main entrance is the oldest known graffiti on site, likely carved by the jailer.

What story would you pin to that mark? Plan a visit to see it in person: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colche...
November 23, 2025 at 8:01 AM