The arrangement of the collections is chronological, beginning on the ground-floor, the basement being devoted to the larger architectural exhibits and miscellaneous objects. Copious signs and indicators guide the visitor through the rooms in the proper historical sequence; and each room is provided with a notice indicating the period dealt with, each case with a synopsis of its contents, and each object with an explanatory label.
The chronological sequence begins on the Ground Floor, to the left of the central hall, in which some of the most recent acquisitions are shown, and also the blue silk vest worn by Charles I. on the scaffold, preserved by his physician, Dr. Hobbs. ROOM I (Prehistoric). Objects of the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, mostly found in the Thames. ROOM II (Roman Occupation). Roman pottery ('Castor' and 'New Forest ' ware), bronze lamps, glass, etc. Near the door, a clay wine-bottle, with the name 'Londini,' a unique occurrence; by the window, limestone figure from Drury Lane (lent); on the right, marble bust found in the Thames Valley. ROOM III (left) continues the series of Roman pottery with 'Rutenian ' bowls, large wine-jars, etc.; domestic articles (sandals; remains of a flute; keys; bronze toilet-articles). Near the door is a well-known Mithraic group in marble, found in the Walbrook. In the centre case, reconstruction of a burial, from Whitechapel. ROOM IV (Saxon and Danish). Scramasaxes and Sï¾µxes, the large knives from which the Saxons are supposed to have taken their name; bell and sword, found in the Thames; brooches and armlets; pottery; skeleton of a Saxon woman (6th century; outside the door). ROOM V (Gold and Silver), interrupting for a moment the chronological sequence. In a case opposite the entrance are the collar of the Bath and other insignia. By the north wall (right) is a case containing seals and badges of City Companies; Doggett's badge; 'touch pieces' for the 'king's evil,' etc. Other cases contain domestic silver ware, 17-19th century; standing-cup and cover (1640); royal relics; gold rings of various periods (two Roman); silver finger-bowl (17th century), snuffers, coffeepots, etc. In the central case is a collection of wonderfully graceful Jewellery and Jewels. This was found in 1912 buried in Wood St. and seems to have been the stock-in-trade of a 16-17th century jeweller. We now return to the entrance-hall and ascend the stately staircase on which is a marble Venus by Francavilla (Pierre Francheville, 1548-1618 ?), discovered in a Croydon garden.
