The Real Coiners Workshop – Saturday 27 August

we want to know what ideas you have for our first museum exhibition. Opening in 2023, this will be based on ‘The Real Coiners’, the criminal gang of forgers led by ‘King’ David Hartley.

Through the exhibition, we want to place these shadowy figures in their wider social, economic, political and religious contexts.

We want to consider what life was like for people living in the area at the time, how people made ends meet, and think about what may have made the gang members turn to crime.

Finally, we hope to consider the legacy of these figures and whether they were, and are, considered heroes or villains? The story of the Coiners is still relevant today and we want to know how you would tell their stories.

We will be holding two open public workshop sessions to consider how best to tell the stories of ‘The Real Coiners’. Come and join us and learn more about the plans for the museum.

You don’t need any particular historical knowledge to come along and we hope to welcome a broad range of ages / experiences / views to make sure we reflect the diversity within our community.