Automaton Clock
This extravagant highly decorated clock featuring moving figures and sound dates from the 1780s. In 2018, the clock underwent restoration and was repaired to its former glory.
Collections Highlights — Index
Berwick Kaler Outfit
One of York Castle Museum’s newest objects is this sparkling outfit created in 2018 to celebrate Berwick Kaler’s 40th anniversary as dame of York Theatre Royal’s annual pantomime. Mr Kaler wore a different outfit in every single scene of The Grand Old Dame of York, which he also wrote.
Home-Made History
Our collection features over 100 historic patchwork quilts dating back nearly 300 years.
Ice Cream Making
In Victorian times, ice cream was very different to the texture and flavours we enjoy today.
Iron Stays
The earliest item of underwear in York Castle Museum’s collections is made of iron. It’s an iron corset – called bodies or stays – and it dates from the seventeenth century.
Miniature Marvels
We have a large selection of miniatures, often handmade and for a variety of purposes. Miniatures have always held a fascination over the centuries – they have been found in archaeological digs in Egypt and China and have been used as good luck talismans or amulets.
Princess Mary's 1914 Christmas Gift
In November 1914, an advert was placed in the national press asking for donations.
Shackleton's Cocoa
This Rowntree’s cocoa tin was taken to the Antarctic by explorer Ernest Shackleton in 1909.
Shopping in Victorian York
The shops you’ll find on our Victorian street Kirkgate are genuine examples from the period. Much research has been done into their history to ensure that both the facades and their interiors are as authentic as possible, though many are smaller than they would have been in the real Victorian city.
Sweet Memories
Terry’s of York is one of Britain’s oldest confectionery making companies.
The Fairfax Buff Coat
This cavalryman’s buff coat dates from around 1630-40. It is our earliest item of men’s clothing, and one of our most significant military objects.
Victorian Christmas
The Victorians transformed Christmas with new traditions that are still continued today.
Wartime Christmas
The museum has a superb collection of Christmas cards sent during the First World War. They show that black humour and upbeat verses were often used to keep spirits up during very dark times.
Latest News
- Christmas at York Castle Museum 2024
- Time-travelling Summer Fun at York Castle Museum 2024
- ‘70 Objeks & Tings’ An Exhibition Celebrating 75 Years of Caribbean Culture
- York Museums Trust’s third Heritage Hunters project concludes with celebration at York Explore’s Acomb Library
- Christmas at York Castle Museum 2023!