HERSCHEL’S COMPASS

About the object

A gift to G.H Spiers of Upton Park from Prof Herschel Nov 1904 – why was it given? where did it lead?

Slough Museum’s Discovery and Innovation Pod is on the first floor of The Curve.

The Pod shares the local history of Slough based 18th century astronomers William Herschel and his sister Caroline who developed the modern mathematical approach to astronomy and made many discoveries including the planet Uranus and serval comets, stars and nebulae.

As part of our Make With the Museum series at The Curve Club, you can make a Paper Solar System and create the universe to understand the sizes of and distances between each planet.

Download Solar System Guide

View Others from the Exhibition

ELLIMAN’S EMBROCATION

ELLIMAN’S EMBROCATION

About the object Invented in the 1800s, this muscle rub was used by people and animals – tell us a story that features you & your furry creatures… The Elliman family came to Slough in 1845, and James Elliman Senior set up a drapery business while he developed his...

COX’S PIPPIN APPLE

COX’S PIPPIN APPLE

About the object In 1830 Richard Cox cultivated the first Cox’s Orange Pippin apple in his Slough orchard. Tell us what creations or inventions you have made or are dreaming up. Slough Museum’s Origins of Slough Pod is on the ground floor of The Curve. The Pod...

SLOUGH TRAIN STATION

SLOUGH TRAIN STATION

About the object Queen Victoria was the first British monarch to travel by rail from Slough to Paddington in 1842. She was “charmed” by the “delightful” experience. What adventure did you love or would like to have? Slough Museum’s Victorian Slough Pod is on the...

LYDIA’S MAYORAL ROBE

LYDIA’S MAYORAL ROBE

About the object Ms Simmonds was the first black female Mayor in the UK – who inspires you to reach your goals? Slough made history by electing the country’s first black female mayor in 1984 and Slough Museum hold her Mayoral Robe in our collection. Lydia Simmons was...

1920 – 2020 SEGRO MILESTONE

1920 – 2020 SEGRO MILESTONE

About the object The Trading Estate just marked 100 years in Slough. Tell us the stories of your significant milestones During the First World War, the British Government established a military repair depot in Slough. After the war, in 1920, Lord Percival Perry,...

CHALVEY STAB MONKEY

CHALVEY STAB MONKEY

About the object The Museum collection includes a model of this local legend – what is your favourite folk or fairy tale? How would it be told if it was set in Slough? What is a 'stab-monk'? The story dates back to at least the mid-19th Century. The most common...

THE ADELPHI

THE ADELPHI

About the object Bands including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones played here – who did you see? Or if you could see any band from any time – who would it be and what happens on your dream night out? The Adephi was built in 1929, and opened on 17th February 1930....

HORLICKS

HORLICKS

About the object This malted milk drink has offered comfort - from infants to explorers - for over a hundred years – tell us a story that makes you feel warm inside… Slough's answer to sleepless nights, gastric ulcers and some forms of diabetes? Horlicks Malted Milk!...

HAWKER HURRICANE

HAWKER HURRICANE

About the object This plane, manufactured in Slough, helped win the Battle of Britain. Share the story of the last time you flew – in a dream, in reality - who did you see and where did you go? The Hurricane Hawker factory and airfield in Langley, Slough played an...

MONTEM MOUND

MONTEM MOUND

About the object Archaeologists say that Anglo-Saxon gold could be buried here! What might you find if you dig? What other hidden treasures (not just gold!) are in our town? Archaeologists have found that the 20-foot high Montem Mound in Central Slough is a rare Anglo...

Woolly Mammoth Tusk

Woolly Mammoth Tusk

About the object The oldest item in the Museum’s collection comes from a creature roaming these parts five million years ago – what did it see? where did it go? Slough Museum’s Origins of Slough Pod is on the ground floor of The Curve. The Pod tells how the word...