![]() They have a number of permanent exhibits including a rare Roman enamel cup, ancient Saxon burials, hop picking and brewing, the 1643 Battle of Alton - with a Civil War era helmet, breastplate and sword. Plus the notorious tale of Sweet Fanny Adams – many of us would have heard of the saying “sweet Fanny Adams”, but not knowing it originated from the very sad story of a young girl named Fanny, brutally murdered for no known reason. The museum is also the home of a very rare piece of Anglo Saxon artefact, known as the Alton Buckle, this was exquisite in detail. It consists of a silver gilt body with filigree wires and set with AD Cloisonné garnets and glass. Its centre panel design is gold filigree on a gold base. Archaeologists have dated the buckle to 6 / 7th centuries and it is one of the very finest examples of Anglo Saxon craftsmanship ever found The group all felt that this was most certainly one of the better museums visited and I believe we all learnt something new.
![]() Now all fully refreshed, we moved onto the Allen Gallery. This is home to one of the best collections in the south of England of ceramics, porcelain, pottery and tiles dating from 1250. In addition, they hold an excellent collection of perfume bottles, medals, shoe buckles and much more. They have a cabinet holding a wide range of Wedgwood and porcelain figurines, some from the great British producers: Bow, Chelsea, Derby and Worcester.
Any U3A Member is very welcome to join us on any of our monthly outings. I suggest keep checking the webpage for up-to-date information of places that may be of interest to you.
Rosemary Crumplin-Clark AHA - Excursion Co-ordinator
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