ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH
December 2025
Lump of Coal from Rawdon Pit (1989)
Have you been good this year or will you be receiving a lump of coal in your stocking? The tradition of naughty children receiving coal from a festive figure, such as Father Christmas, is common in
several European cultures. In England It is believed that the tradition began in the 19 th century.
Ashby is situated at the centre of the Leicestershire and South Derbyshire coalfield, although no coal seams are located under the town itself. Here at the museum we have many artefacts related to the history of coal mining which was an important activity for the surrounding area. This piece of coal is thought to have come from Rawdon Colliery in Moira on its last day of production on 1 December 1989. Rawdon Colliery was first sunk in 1821, and despite facing many problems with production during the 19th century, became the last coal mine to close in the local area. The former site of Rawdon Colliery is now home to Conkers outdoor activity centre.
ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH
November 2025
Gong made from a WWII artillery gun shell (1943)
In honour of Remembrance Day, November’s artefact of the month has a military connection. This
gong was used by the Ashby branch of the Royal British Legion at their meetings and is made from
an artillery gun shell manufactured in 1943. The markings on the shell tell us that it was designed to
be used with a ‘6-pounder’ (57mm) calibre gun weighing approximately 7CWT (356kg). The shell was manufactured by Edward Curran & Company, Cardiff. The shell was filled with a full charge of cordite which when ignited would produce enough high-pressure gas to propel the ammunition as far as the gun’s maximum range of around 4,600m.
Unfortunately, we do not have any information about where the shell was found or how it came to
be in Ashby. However, the gong is an example of ‘trench art’, a practice whereby soldiers, prisoners
of war, and civilians created decorative or useful items out of war debris, including shell and bullet
casings. Whilst trench art is often associated with WWI, it has been produced in relation to other
conflicts, as was the case with this gong. Such items serve as tangible objects of remembrance,
acting as poignant reminders of the costs of war.
ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH
October 2025
Model of a Norwegian dragon shaped beer bowl (c.1880-1900)
This miniature model of a late medieval (c.1300-1500) Norwegian dragon shaped beer bowl (kane) is
one of several pieces of crested china within the museum’s collection. Such models of historic artefacts and antiquities decorated with a town’s coat of arms were popular souvenirs during the late 19th and early 20th century. This model was made by William Henry Goss (the leading manufacturer of crested china) and was supplied by Thomas Litherland & Co., a china dealer based in Market Street. Thomas was not the only one in the Litherland family to have an interest in china, with both his brother William and his son Henry being involved in the establishment of the Derby Crown Porcelain Company in 1876.
Whilst the Goss factory closed in 1940 following a decline in interest in heraldic porcelain, crested china is still sought after by enthusiasts today, reflecting the enduring appeal of souvenir collecting throughout history.
ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH
September 2025
Maths Exercise book (1811)
The museum has a wealth of objects in its collection related to education in Ashby, including this wonderful handwritten maths exercise book from the early 19th century. Not only does this book reveal how mathematical functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division were taught, the lengthy questions also reflect the importance of learning the key skills of reading and writing.
The exercises in this book focus on the practical application of maths, referring to topics such as
trade, labour, and income management which could be of relevance to the future affairs of those from a particular class background. The exercise pictured suggests that the owner of the book came from a privileged family – who else would have to deal with the problem of counting such a vast sum of money?
ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH
August 2025
Ashby de la Zooch (Castle Abbey) record performed by The Merry Macs (1946).
If you want a smooch, and be happy as a pooch, go to Ashby De La Zouch by the sea
The Merry Macs, an American vocal harmony group, were one of several artists to record this song (composed by Al Hoffman, Milton Drake and Jerry Livingston) about the delights of a little village in
Leicestershire. Notably these different versions have variations in the title of the song and how ‘Zouch’ is spelt.
Whilst Ashby may not be by the sea as this song ironically suggests (unless the lido counts), you can still enjoy the summer here! Why not pop down to the museum - especially good for those rainy British summer days.
