The Roman town of Ad Pontes was of strategic importance as it was located at the only crossing point of the River Thames upstream from London on the road to Silchester. Much Roman material has been, and is still, found in the Borough, particularly in the Staines area. Spelthorne Museum holds the second largest collection of Roman material in Surrey. On display is a selection of Roman artefacts ranging from roof tiles to a baby's feeding bottle. There is a reconstruction of a Roman shop and a model of how the town might have looked.
Interior of Museum: Some of the many finds from the Roman town of Ad Pontes ( Staines ) and the surrounding area.
The London Stone
The London Stone, dating from 1285, which used to mark the jurisdiction of the City of London over the Thames as far as Staines
Interior of Museum:The London Stone
Brewing and Bottling
In earlier times, due to the many impurities found in water, beer was considered a safer drink as the brewing process killed many germs. There were many brewers in the area but the two major ones were Ashby and Harris. Artificial mineral waters were also manufactured. A display has some of the history of these industries.
Interior of Museum: Brewing and Bottling display, on opening day
Fire!
Since the Museum was formally located in the Old Fire Station pride of place goes to the 1738 Staines Parish Fire Engine made by Richard Newsham of London.
Interior of Museum:1738 hand pumped fire engine from Staines
Staines Linoleum Industry
The only display in the Museum dedicated to one company. The 'Staines Lino Factory' was the first factory in the world to manufacture linoleum, a type of floor covering, which was available to everyone. The factory was set up in 1864 and continued to make linoleum for over 100 years and made 'Staines Lino' a world wide name. The word linoleum is formed from the Latin words for flax or linseed "linum" and oil "oleum".
Victorian Kitchen
Staines developed rapidly during Victorian times and this display represents a part of a kitchen in a small house or cottage. The focal point would have been a coal or coke-burning range, which provided both heat and cooking facilities. Other items include a washing tub and dolly and a mangle, most of the items have a local connection.
Victorian Kitchen exhibit at Fire Station venue.
