Experts select items for new history centre

The new history centre has received National Lottery heritage funding (artist's impression)

The "difficult process" of deciding what should be displayed in a new history centre is underway, according to a council.

The items will go in Staffordshire History Centre, which is set to open in Stafford in the Autumn.

The centre on Eastgate Street incorporates Stafford Records Office and the heritage building that used to house the William Salt Library.

Many of the items under consideration for display are more than a thousand years old, said Staffordshire County Council.

The objects on the shortlist to reflect Staffordshire's history include:

• A cap originally owned by Charles I, which dates from the 1630s and belonged to the Bagot family of Blithfield Hall.

• A Spider Phaeton carriage from 1890 which comes from the collection of the 20th Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot of Ingestre Hall.

• A notebook belonging to James Brindley from 1772 which contains rough plans of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.

A 16th-Century recipe book and oatcake-making equipment could also end up in the new exhibition space, said the council.

Sophie Harris and Chris Cop from Staffordshire County Council’s Archives and Heritage service

"I don’t envy the team's job of choosing what items and objects will go on display," said councillor Victoria Wilson.

"With thousands to choose from, it’s a tough ask.. but I’m sure visitors to the centre, when it opens, won’t be disappointed," she added.