This week we’re discussing the story of Bridget Atkinson, a Cumbrian woman who amassed a huge collection of shells from across the globe during the 18th century.
We’re joined by English Heritage Collections Curator Dr Frances McIntosh, Principal Curator at the Natural History Museum Dr Tom White, Bath Spa University lecturer Matthew Law and family researcher Richard Atkinson. They reveal who she was, how she collected her shells despite rarely leaving her home county and how a family connection led to a selection of her recently rescued treasures going on display in the Clayton Museum at Chesters Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall.
To plan a visit to see Bridget’s shells for yourself, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/chesters
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Episode 263 - Saving our Paintings: Jan Wijnants at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
Episode 262 - Behind the Lord Warden's Secret Door at Walmer Castle
Episode 261 - 900 years of history at Furness Abbey
Episode 260 - The military history of the Isles of Scilly
Episode 258 - Seeing Belsay Hall in a new light with artist Ingrid Pollard
Episode 257 - Mum's the word: an exploration of maternity and motherhood
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Episode 255 - Walking Offa's Dyke
Episode 254 - Art and activism: the life and legacy of Derek Jarman
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Episode 252 - Uncovering the mystery of the Corbridge dodecahedra
Episode 251 - The remarkable rise and fall of Old Sarum
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