Celebrate a History of the World

A History of the World celebrates objects which have a story to tell, with the most ordinary things having an extraordinary impact on our world.

BBC Shropshire has been working with museums in the county to come up with a list of 10 objects which tell a History of the World in our area.

Carol Bowsher is Director of Academic and Curatorial Policy at the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust.

She says the items reflect the breadth of Shropshire's impact on the world.

World in Ironbridge at half term

Ms Bowsher said Shropshire was rich in history and the unique geology of the area and the wealth of raw materials from iron ores, clays, shales, limestone, coal and other minerals has attracted settlers from the Iron Age to Victorian times.

"The breadth of history is reflected in the span of objects selected for Shropshire.

"From the Iron Age spoons at Shrewsbury Museum , fantastic evidence of Roman settlement at Wroxeter to the legacies of the Industrial Revolution centred round the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site."

Geological features

Ms Bowsher said: "Knowledge of the geology and natural history of the region is illuminated by many of the fascinating rock, fossil and mineral collections to be found in regional museums brought to light by pioneering geologists in the 1800s."

Roderick Murchison's cross section of geological strata is on display at Ludlow Museum and John Randall who settled in Coalport was not only a renowned geologist but also a great china painter.

"It all helped to map the resources which led to a fascinating diversity of industry, engineering and global trading." she added.

To look at the 10 objects in detail along with items from across the UK, visit the History of the World website, where you can also add your own objects.

To see any of the objects drop into one of the Shropshire Museums involved in the project. More information about the museums is available from the websites.