Museums take pick of society’s goods

Nov 21 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

MUSEUMS have lined up to take their pick after a learned society quit its historic headquarters after more than 120 years.

The Newcastle Society of Antiquaries has moved from the 13th Century Black Gate in the city to the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Much of the extensive collections of the society, which was formed in 1813, has gone on show at the new £25m venue.

But there were still plenty of items left in the Black Gate which need new homes, so other museums in the North East were invited to see what was on offer. One of the most popular was a set of 50 First World War recruitment posters, many in mint condition, which were found rolled up a drawer at the Black Gate.

The football used in the annual Shrove Tuesday game at Rothbury in Northumberland until 1867 also emerged.

There were sugar cutters, from the time when sugar came not in granules but in large lumps.