This week we’re discussing the story of Bridget Atkinson, a Cumbrian woman who amassed a huge collection of shells from across the globe during the 18th century.

We’re joined by English Heritage Collections Curator Dr Frances McIntosh, Principal Curator at the Natural History Museum Dr Tom White, Bath Spa University lecturer Matthew Law and family researcher Richard Atkinson. They reveal who she was, how she collected her shells despite rarely leaving her home county and how a family connection led to a selection of her recently rescued treasures going on display in the Clayton Museum at Chesters Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall.

To plan a visit to see Bridget’s shells for yourself, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/chesters

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