Write on your Doorstep: Chaucer, Shakespeare and Dickens

Visitors will learn about the connections these writers had with the area. Shakespeare acted in Southwark, Dickens' father was in prison here and Chaucer drank in the local pubs – the exhibition even includes a reference by Chaucer to the fine quality of Southwark beer!

Reconstructions of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Chaucer's Tabard Inn will be accompanied by extracts from their work. A pen used by Dickens, a rare collection of Tudor embroidery from Shakespeare's era, and chain mail worn by knights in Chaucer's time will also be on show.

The Cuming Museum, which has been described as 'a miniature British Museum', has collections from at least fifty countries around the world as well as material tracing the history of Southwark from Anglo Saxon times to today.

"This is a great opportunity to come along and learn about literature and history at the same time. The Cuming Museum is full of hidden treasures waiting to be found!" says Catherine Hamilton, collections and museum manager at the Cuming Museum.

The exhibition will also include animations produced by three local groups, Age Concern Yalding Day Centre, Townsend Primary School and Southwark Muslim Womens' Association, with the help of a local animator.

'Write On Your Doorstep – Chaucer, Shakespeare and Dickens in Southwark' is at the Cuming Museum until 4 September.

During the Easter Holidays parents/carers and children (aged 4-6) can learn together at the following events:
• 14th April 1.30pm – 3.00pm 'Get Chatty with Chaucer'
• 15th April 1.30pm – 3.00pm 'Acting Up with Shakespeare'
• 16th April 1.30pm – 3.00pm 'Stories & Suspense with Dickens'