Bury St Edmunds museum Moyse's Hall showcases abbey artefacts in exhibition

A museum in Bury St Edmunds has joined the Abbey 1000 celebrations by hosting a free exhibition with additional relics that showcase the town’s historic past.

Moyse’s Hall Museum’s exhibition will run until September 30 and features loans from regional and national museums as well as private collectors.

Some of the notable artefacts include pieces of stained glass, an alms box loaned by the Catholic church thought to have been crafted out of the tree St Edmund was martyred on, and a piece of 2mm bone fragment believed to be from the saint bought and gifted to the people of west Suffolk by Brandler Galleries.

Daniel Clarke, heritage officer at Moyse’s Hall, said: “We didn’t just want to use the artefacts we already have from the abbey, but we also wanted to bring in loans, including a stunning piece of stain glass from the Victoria and Albert Museum. For the first time in generations we are illuminating that back in Bury St Edmunds where it was recovered after the destruction of the abbey. It’s a beautiful and original piece.”

The exhibition has been running since July 1 and has already had positive feedback from attendees.

“It’s had a great first month and now that we’re hitting the summer holidays we are able to offer free experiences for families,” said Daniel.

“Even for people who know our collection inside out, there are quite a few pieces they can see temporarily displayed.”

There has already been a series of lectures from professors at Harvard University and the British Museum, with speakers from Manchester University and medieval specialists still to come throughout August and September, including a master stonemason from the West Country - considered one of the best in the UK. For more information visit the website here.

There will also be free acting classes by RADA trained actor, Hatty Ashton, for four to six-year-olds and seven to 13-year-olds, as well as free craft activities for all ages. See the website for more details.