Josiah Chater started to keep his diary in October 1844 at the age of 15. He was living at the time at 12 Market Street, apprenticed to William Eaden Lilley, draper, carpet warehouseman, paper merchant and seller of painting materials.
A Festive weekend of Christmas Shopping
We had a delightful weekend of shopping at the Museum of Cambridge this past weekend, with our Made in Cambridge Christmas Market! Running from Friday 29th November to Sunday 1st December, we welcomed 16 talented artisans, craft people and makers,
Collecting my AMA from the Museums Conference
Photograph by Julian Eales. By Alex Smaridge, Engagement and Collections Manager It’s not every day that I get the chance to hang out with one thousand people who all love museums as much as I do, but on a recent
The Miller of Cambridge -November 1804: Straitjacket and Leeches
As we uncover more of James Nutter’s life, read on to see what November had in store for him, as we look into James’ discovery and research on his friend’s Reverend Robert Hall’s illness. At the end of October 1804,
The Swindling of a Generation: The story of Ephraim Wayman
It was an email to Capturing Cambridge earlier this year that uncovered this tragic tale of greed and embezzlement. It revealed family feelings that are still raw today, looking back on the suicide of Anthony Phypers, a well-off and respected
Folklore Finds: Witch Balls
There are many eye-catching objects at the Museum of Cambridge, but surely this is one of the most beautiful. Rightfully so – a little research shows that it was specifically made to catch and hold attention! Exploring the folklore collection
The Miller of Cambridge – October 1804: The Psychotic episode of Robert Hall
St Andrew’s Church (modern acrylic painting) As we uncover more of James Nutter’s life, read on to see what October had in store for him, as we hear about religious life and managing mental health in the early 19th century.
Preserving Windrush Heritage in Cambridgeshire
The Museum of Cambridge and Dr Carol Brown-Leonardi are thrilled to announce the next steps in the Legacies of Windrush in Cambridgeshire project, a powerful project aimed at preserving and celebrating the stories of the Windrush Generation. Funded by Arts
Ghosts – Should we embrace them?
Blog by Roger Lilley, Chair of the Trustees A few months ago I hosted a ghost hunt at the museum. I just needed to be on the premises while ten enthusiasts divided into two groups to stake out some of
The Miller of Cambridge: A peek into James Nutter’s Diary – September 1804
Great Shelford Mill (acrylic 2024) As we uncover more of James Nutter’s life, read on to see what September had in store for him. September starts with James assessing the delivery of new wheat: “New wheat today – some good