Dorothy Brown

​I would like to recall my memories of Eastgate House from my childhood in the 1940s. It was then known as Rochester Museum. My sister and I often visited the museum, the castle with our mother during school holidays. Entrance to the museum was free of charge, we loved strolling through the lovely old house looking at the ancient treasures. Our favourite items were the beautiful dolls houses, fitted out with all the appropriate furniture.

One very particular day stays in my memory- the then curator of the museum opened a large flap in the floor of this particular room we were viewing and invited us to enter the room below. When we switched the light on there was a large glass case, holding a replica copy of all the Coronation regalia- crown, orb, sceptre, cloak etc. and to my childish pleasure he allowed me to put on my finger the copy of the Coronation ring. I have wondered whatever became of these items when the museum was closed.