The Cater Museum
Opened in 1960, the Cater Museum was provided for the community of Billericay by Mrs. Alice Mary Cater, wife of William Alexander Cater, local antiquarian and author. Situated in an 18th century house at 74 The High Street, the museum incorporates items from the early “Town Collection” of its first curator, Harry Richman, as well as objects from the Cater family and household furnishings which belonged the last residents of the house, the Eales. Donations from Billericay residents have increased the collection in the years after its opening.
The museum features three period room settings. The bedroom and parlour reflect the décor of the last quarter of the nineteenth century, while the kitchen brings us up to the 1920’s. Former curator Ted Wright added the popular “Billericay at War” display as well as writing some of the books sold in the Museum. A fascinating insight into the past is provided by the extensive photographic collection housed in the museum.
Just as in the High Street
outside the front door, life has not stood still in the museum. Today the
active museum staff is joined by enthusiastic volunteers in constantly
improving the displays and services offered. A varied calendar of special
events helps history come to life. Museum staff provide talks for local
organisations and schools and teachers are able to borrow loan boxes for use
in the classroom. A voluntary body – The Friends of the Cater Museum –
provides support for special events and practical help in the work of the
museum. Current projects include the re-framing of photographs using
acid-free materials, entering the
accessions records onto computer database,
cataloguing and repairing the museum’s collection of maps and further
developing the period garden at the rear of the building. Additionally
volunteers are currently refurbishing an 18 century lathe and plaster wall
using lining paper and heavy wallpaper. Pictured left are volunteers Mr
Leslie Bartram from Wickford, Mr Richard Hill and Mr Roy Donovan from
Billericay who have been involved in restoration projects for the past three
or four years.
Stop in for a glimpse of Billericay’s past, to trace your ancestors or see what stood on the site of your home. Come and tell us of your experiences in bygone Billericay and contribute to the town’s oral history project. Enjoy the tranquillity of the garden in the spring and summer. Or just stop in for a chat.
RECENT ADDITION TO THE CATER MUSEUM
The latest donation to the Cater Museum has just gone on display in the museum’s coin collection. It is a copper alloy sestertius minted in Rome.
On one side it bears the image of Severus Alexander, also known as Marcus Aurellius Severus Alexander. On the reverse there is the image of Mars, holding a spear and a trophy. The coin dates from AD 227. Severus Alexander ruled for thirteen years. His time as emperor was cut short when he was murdered by his own troops in AD 235!