The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, in Queen Street, Exeter is renowned throughout the World for it's wonderful collection of ancient artefacts. With 16 galleries of exhibits to see, including fine art, clocks, silverware, archaeology, ceramics and World-wide cultures. No visitor to Exeter should miss the opportunity to venture back in time - completely free of charge (opening times 10-5, Mon.-Sat). The museum is run by Exeter City Council, and was opened in 1865. The building itself is in a Venetian Gothic style of architecture, inside the gift shop, cafe and various workshops offer something for everyone.
Amongst the most treasured items, is the famous Exeter Puzzle Jug, a medieval (around 1300ad) joke. The jug which originated in France, was found in fragments in South Street in 1899, and wonderfully restored at the British Museum in the 1930s. The jug has remained in the Exeter museum ever since. Puzzle jugs are were made so that the person attempting to drink from them would unsuspectingly spill the liquid over themselves. However, strangely, and perhaps part of the joke, the Exeter jug, can be drunk from without any spillage! The jug is housed in a special glass case in the museum. Close examination would show many more jokes within the jug...including the donkey shaped handle, and the naked clergymen.
