Blog
Discovery Centre Finds - Post-medieval glass bottle with seal
A 17th-century dark green glass wine bottle of the “shaft and globe” type, made in England using the free-blown method. Its seal, marked “I.H,” likely identifies the person who commissioned it rather than the maker—possibly John or similar, as “I” was used for “J” at the time.
Dendrochronology project - Museum of Gloucester / Swansea University
In 2025, the Museum of Gloucester partnered with scientists from Swansea University’s Department of Geography on the Quercus project. This initiative focuses on analysing timber samples from across the UK to uncover insights into history, environment, and heritage through wood science.
Discovery Centre Finds - Glass ‘bath flask’ & hexagonal bottle
A late 1st-century glass bath flask, once used for perfumed oils in Roman baths, was discovered in Gloucester. It retains a copper-alloy ring for suspension, hinting at personal use during the city’s Legionary fortress period. Alongside it, a striking blue hexagonal glass bottle served as a versatile container for liquids like oil or wine.
Glass Plate Photographs
The collection holds over 1,000 glass plate photographs, including pilgrimage scenes, Gloucester landmarks, and architectural views. Many remain unidentified, and the museum invites the public to help uncover their stories.
Discovery Centre Finds - Clay Pipes
Two 19th-century clay pipes reflect personal identity and patriotism. One is linked to military service with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, while the other features Irish nationalist symbols popular among immigrant communities in towns like Gloucester and Cheltenham.
Restoring a Legend: The Black Dog
A beloved Gloucester icon, the Black Dog, has been lovingly restored after decades of mystery, damage, and rediscovery. From its rooftop perch on Northgate Street to its recent conservation in 2024, this carved pup’s journey spans wars, craftsmanship, and community care. This post celebrates the dog’s rich history, its creator Arthur Levison, and the late Pieta Greaves, whose expert hands helped bring the Black Dog back to life.
Museum of Gloucester awarded major funding from Arts Council England’s Museum Renewal Fund
The Museum of Gloucester is delighted to announce that it has been awarded significant funding from Arts Council England’s Museum Renewal Fund 2025-26.
Discovery Centre Finds – Sling Bullet
This small, oval-shaped object of fired clay was found in a deposit dated to the 2nd century AD, in the Early Roman period.
Discovery Centre Finds – Decorated Greyware flagon
This large pottery vessel was found in a well at Frocester, probably dating to the later 2nd or 3rd centuries AD.
Discovery Centre Finds - Flint arrowhead
This almost complete ‘leaf-shaped’ flint arrowhead was found at the Buckles site, Frocester, in 1983.
Unearthing the Past: Life & Legacy of Elsie Clifford
As part of the 2025 Gloucester Festival of Archaeology, the Museum is spotlighting one of the female trailblazers of British Archaeology in the early 20th century: Elsie Margaret Clifford (1885–1976).
Disability Pride Month: Highlighting Hidden Histories at the Museum of Gloucester
Highlighting Hidden Histories at the Museum of Gloucester.
Hazardous and poor condition items – our difficult decisions
As you may know from our introduction to the Folk Decant Project, and thus the 'For Folk Sake' blog, we are currently undertaking a review of our social history collections. This involves assessing these items against a series of criterion including the current collections development policy, condition, hazards, any duplicates within the collection and the potential for engagement, education and research.
Celebrating Edith Sessions: Gloucester's First Woman Councilor
As we kick off Women's History Month, it's a perfect time to celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped our history and paved the way for future generations. At the museum, we are proud to highlight some of the incredible women whose stories are intertwined with Gloucester's rich history. One such woman is Edith Sessions.
A Sharp Look at Gloucester’s Pin-making Legacy.
Have you ever noticed the twisted design of the bollards on Eastgate Street? These humble structures hold a clue to Gloucester's fascinating pin-making past. From thousands of pins discovered under floorboards to tales of a booming 18th-century industry, we’re uncovering the sharp history of a trade that put Gloucester on the map!
What’s This? Wednesday: Shimmering Bottles, Hidden Histories.
When you think of bottles, you probably picture something simple—maybe a bottle of juice or a soda. But what if I told you that some old bottles have amazing stories to tell?
Say Hello To ‘For Folk Sake’!
Welcome to our new blog series for the Museum of Gloucester, 'For Folk's Sake'. This blog series will follow the adventures of our Collections Team into our social history collections at The Folk.
Craftsmanship and Community: Celebrating Fielding & Platt
Reviewing the Archaeological Archives Backlog Project opportunity…
Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through Gloucester's vibrant history, meticulously woven into fabric! Join the Museum of Gloucester for their extraordinary exhibition, Buttons, Badges and Blazers, generously funded by the Arts Council England.
Buttons, Badges & Blazers: A Captivating Journey into Gloucester's Past
Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through Gloucester's vibrant history, meticulously woven into fabric! Join the Museum of Gloucester for their extraordinary exhibition, Buttons, Badges and Blazers, generously funded by the Arts Council England.