Orford Revealed

After six years without premises, Orford Museum has reopened in the upper hall of Orford Castle. The Museum has been granted a licence by English Heritage, custodians of Orford Castle, to display its full collection.

Many recent local finds are on show - Roman brooches, medieval seals and coins, including a rare Anglo-Saxon gold coin purchased with a grant from the National Art Collections Fund. Some of the borough regalia and other items from the New Orford Town Trust collection are also displayed.

Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Orford Town Trust and the Scarfe Charitable Foundation has enabled the museum trustees to purchase modern display cases and wall panels.

Mark Hayden, English Heritage's Visitor Operations Manager, said:

"We're very pleased that the museum will be a part of our site; this is a positive step to share the vast array of artefacts relating to Orford's colourful history."

Michael Flint, Chairman of Orford Museum, said:

"Now visitors and local residents alike can see what an exceptionally long, rich and varied history Orford has. The Castle is a fine setting for our new display."

Six graphic panels in the museum feature maps, charters, pictures and photographs illustrating fascinating aspects of the Orford story, right up to the 20th century, with a panel and case devoted to the Orford Ness lighthouse.