Explorers and Collectors
A fascinating and unique collection of collections brought back from travels across Asia, Africa, India and South America by some of Kent’s great explorers.
A snapshot of a bygone age, a time when the British explored, surveyed and plundered the far reaches of the globe. From a flamboyant Reverend to a great diplomat much admired by Jane Austen, these explorers travelled the globe undertaking ground breaking and arduous journeys largely in the name of research and discovery.
Some of their treasures made it back to Canterbury and are housed in this stunning gallery befitting their significance. Also on display are remarkable finds from excavations of Ancient Egypt and Anglo-Saxon Kent, alongside rare Ancient Greek art and souvenirs of The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).
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Family Activities Hold real artefacts and fossils, play musical instruments, use a scientific microscope and mummify a cat!
Highlights from Explorers and Collectors
Dragon Pendant
Found isolated and alone in the Kentish soil, and now residing in The Beaney is a creature so legendary it has been part of folklore since early... — Read more
African Dagger in Scabbard
Our ‘Wider World’ case in our Explorers & Collectors gallery features two gold plated knives, bought back from Africa by a Royal Navy officer called Boteler. Part of the navy’s... — Read more
Canterbury Cross
Dating from about 850 AD, The Canterbury Cross has acquired widespread fame as a symbol of the Church of Christianity throughout the Anglican... — Read more
South Indian Mace
One of the gallery’s great collections was bought to us by a man named Stephen... — Read more
Mummified Cat
In Ancient Egypt Mummification was not limited to humans. From snakes and beetles to hippos and crocodiles, the Ancient Egyptians mummified all sorts of different creatures. Cats, being sacred, were... — Read more
Anglo Saxon Kentish Silver Disc Brooch
Antiquarians, then archaeologists have been exploring Kent since the 18th Century. Their most outstanding finds were Anglo-Saxon items dating from the 5th to 8th centuries. At this time Kent was an... — Read more
