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Chris Packham Returns to the Rhodes
Following his last sell out lecture Chris Packham ....

Waterstone's Event: Phillipa Gregory
Acclaimed novelist Phillipa Gregory wil be discuss....


Local History Collections


Come and find out more about where you live!

The local history collections are situated on the first and second floors of the Rhodes Arts Complex and provide a fascinating insight into the history of Bishop’s Stortford – artefacts and information are displayed in a modern, contemporary space with plenty of interactive activities for children including touch screens and dressing up box





Highlights of the collection include:
  • The Great Seal of Bishop’s Stortford (16th C) on loan from the British Museum.
  • A Roman skeleton (nicknamed ‘Titus’) who was found in Canons Close in 1957
  • The Thorley Stocks
  • The Gilbey Family Collection – the rags to riches story of  prominent Bishop’s Stortford family the Gilbeys, founders of  W&A Gilbey which became the largest drinks distribution company in the UK.
  • The Bishop’s Stortford Town Mural – a beautiful embroidery created by 140 members of the Bishop’s Stortford Embroiders Guild chronicling the history of the town in seven stages.

The collections provide a valuable resource for schools who are studying local history as part of the National Curriculum.