Ashtray
An advertising promotion for H.S.Martin, one of several manufacturers of mineral waters in the town in the late C19 and early C20.
Semaphore Set
An educational game for children designed to teach them the Semaphore alphabet.
Album
This attractively bound volume of views of East Grinstead and surroundings. It was published in Germany.
Key
A C14th iron key. The origin of this is unknown, but is typical of door locks on relatively important buildings of the period. Note the simplicity of the ward.
Identity Card
During both World Wars, everyone had to carry an identity card. This example is from World War Two, 1939-1945, recording a change of address.
Seal
This seal and matrix dates from 1360. It shows the arms of Oudart de Fresnes, who was a descendent of one of the nobles who accompanied William, Duke of Normandy, in 1066.
Hornbook
This was an early form of primer used from Tudor times to teach children the alphabet. The paper with the letters on was covered with a thin sheet of transparent horn. This C19th version is covered with celluloid.
Flints
These Stone Age implements found locally, were not made here as there is no flint in the area. Either they were brought from somewhere on the South Downs by travelling workers from that area or local people went south to get them. They were the only edged tool available at
Merry Wives of Windsor
Geoffrey Webb was a renowned stain glass artist in the last century. He lived in East Grinstead and had his studio/workshop here too. He painted unique posters for the local Repertory Company, of which he was a member.