Roman mosaic and Iron Age ring are among summer exhibits at Banburyshire museum

Residents and visitors to Bloxham’s own, wonderful museum are invited to pop in to see the displays and get to know more about the history of this beautiful village. It is free to pop in on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2.30pm – 5pm.

Sarah Reay, trustee, said: “The museum is very fortunate this year to count among its 50 objects some superb artifacts on loan to us from generous villagers.

"One of these is a piece of Roman mosaic, found in the centre of Bloxham and stirring all kinds of interest in we historians, as it points to some fairly substantial Roman building in Bloxham. How much more is there to find?

"Another almost unique object is an Iron Age baldric ring. Found by a local metal detectorist, it has been looked at by the British Museum who have been interested in what they regard as a very rare object."

Add to these superb objects there is a Civil War cannonball, the ceremonial key to Bloxham’s first waterworks, a gold watch presented to a very notable Bloxham personality and even a toilet seat from the days when going to the bathroom could mean an adventure into the outside world.

"We also have, new this season, a new Sights and Sounds room in which you can watch film of Bloxham in bygone years and listen to villagers reminiscing about some of their experiences,” said Sarah.

“At present, this is about the many shops that were once part of village life. We hope to add a variety of film and audio in the future.”

The museum has numerous objects and new presentations that telling of Bloxham’s rich and varied history.

"Do come along and if you like what you see tell your friends and perhaps leave a small donation,” said Sarah. “We don’t charge admission, but we depend very much on visitors’ generosity to help our volunteers keep our precious museum such an important part of village life. Donations can be made by card.”

For more email [email protected]