Noel's Adventure(s): January 20: Museum of London

Today I went to the Museum of London for my "History of London" class. We've been reading about ancient Londinium, and how the city was created, and who inhabited the area first. The museum (which is right next to St. Paul's Cathedral) has a really nice display of ancient and Roman-era artifacts. It's got a lot of hands-on type displays, which is nice. It's built so you can see parts of the old Roman wall out a window, including a tower or watch-post with a pretty brick arch. I love that ancient London is lying literally just below the surface of modern London. Some of the highlights...

A figurine from the Cult of Mithras. I've read about this a lot, so it was fun to see. The little figure, along with three marble statues' heads were found buried under ground. Why they were hidden is a big mystery.

Grave cover/marker from early 1000s

Smiley lady from 1300s

Henry VIII

I just loved this sign. London wasn't such a nice place in the 15-1600s

This is a carving on the inside of a prison cell, carved by a bored prisoner. It reads "The Cupbard's Empty/ To Our Sorrow/ But Hope it will/ Be Full To Morrow"

A castle carved into a prison door

Tudor rose pin

Bad picture, but this is the spectacular "Spitalfields Silk Mantua," worn by the Lady Mayoress of London 1751-1752. This was incredible, hand-stitched fabric. The dress was just about flat. Absolutely unbelievable!