A pair of the first roller skates which were invented in London in 1897. Known as ‘road rollers’ they were incredibly popular, especially with businessmen who used them to skate to and from work. On a smooth surface skaters could reach speeds of 16 miles per hour though each of the contraptions weighed around 40 lbs.
British soldiers at the Sphinx in Egypt. In 1882 the British army converged on Cairo and then took control of the Suez Canal which gave them a quick route to the wider Empire. Egypt did not formally become a part of the British Empire but was known as a Protectorate and remained under British control for 70 years.
Three 19th century butter prints. Many families in the country made their own butter then printed intricate designs onto it to liven up their dinner tables. Bread with butter spread on it was an extremely popular Victorian dish, eaten by lower classes and upper classes as part of afternoon tea.
A ‘sportsman’s knife’ which was displayed at the Great Exhibition. It had a carved mother-of-pearl handle and 84 blades and other instruments.
