Wareham Town Museum facts for kids
The Wareham Town Museum is a special place that tells the history of the town of Wareham in England. It covers everything from ancient prehistoric times to today. The museum has a fascinating exhibit about Lawrence of Arabia, a famous figure who lived nearby.
Located in the Wareham Town Hall, the museum is run by helpful volunteers. It's a great place to discover the stories of the people and events that shaped this part of Dorset.
Contents
What's Inside the Museum?
The museum is like a time machine for the town of Wareham. Its exhibits focus on the local area and the people who have lived there for hundreds of years. You can learn about:
- Local History: Discover the stories of the town and its people.
- Archaeology: See objects that have been dug up from the ground. These items tell us about life long ago.
- Geology: Find out about the rocks and land that make up the area.
The museum is staffed by volunteers who are passionate about history. It is supported by donations from visitors.
The Lawrence of Arabia Exhibition
A special part of the museum is dedicated to T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia. He was a famous British army officer, writer, and archaeologist. He lived his final years at a nearby cottage called Clouds Hill.
The exhibit features interesting items connected to his life. One amazing object is a bullet that was possibly fired by Lawrence himself from a Colt pistol during a train ambush in 1917. The museum has also created a film called T. E. Lawrence — His Final Years in Dorset. It tells the story of his life in the area and includes a re-creation of the motorcycle accident that sadly ended his life in 1935.
The Amazing Wareham Sword
One of the museum's greatest treasures is the Wareham Sword. This incredible Saxon sword is over 1,000 years old! It was made in the late 10th century.
How was the sword found?
In 1927, workers were building a new bridge over the River Frome. They discovered the remains of this ancient sword buried in the river mud. It is currently on loan from the Dorset Museum.
What makes the sword special?
The sword is made of iron and has a beautifully decorated handle. The grip has an inscription written in Old English. The message says, "Æþe... owns me".
Experts believe "Æthe..." is the start of a name like Æthelred or Æthelstan. This means the sword likely belonged to a member of the Saxon royal family! The Wareham Sword is the only Saxon sword ever found in England with the name of a royal owner on it.
