1 The London Shipwreck: A Sunken Story, Southend Central Museum. Until July 2019

This fantastic display exhibits finds from the London shipwreck, a 17th century Cromwellian warship that mysteriously exploded in the Thames Estuary in 1665. Immerse yourself in the Age of Sail, learning about life on board, warfare and the events that led to the loss of over 300 lives.

Southendmuseums.co.uk

2 The Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford, CSI Trail

For all you amateur sleuths out there, a CSI trail event will take place on January the 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th January at the museum from 10am-4pm. Can you identify which objects have been left at the museum? Compare fingerprints, handwriting, eyes and objects to find the right answers.

The museum is based within the Essex Police Headquarters in Springfield, Chelmsford.

museum.essex.police.uk

3 The Museum of London, Disease X. Until February 1, 2019.

A new display uses the museum’s collections to show the effect of historic epidemics on London. It questions how we might learn from the past by looking at past successes, such as the eradication of smallpox and cholera.

Notable objects from the display include the skeleton of a 9-month-old who died of smallpox and Queen Victoria’s mourning dress. The museum is in London Wall and is open daily. It’s free to enter. museumoflondon.org.uk

4 The Charles Dickens Museum, London the Housemaids’s Tour. Saturday, January 20

Welcome to 48 Doughty Street, the London home of Charles Dickens and step back in time to 1839. Dickens and his young family are preparing to leave for a journey to their “home from home” – a relaxing holiday in Broadstairs. But during their absence, the housemaid is up to no good. Whilst they are enjoying the fresh Kentish air, she takes a break from her many duties and invites you to step through the original door of 48 Doughty Street and discover the secrets of the esteemed writer. Tickets to the event are £15 for adults and £8 for children. To book, call 020 7405 2127 or visit dickensmuseum.com

5 The Old Operating Theatre, London. After Hours Victorian Surgery Demonstration - January 31, 7pm.

​This is a unique after-hours event that will take you back in time to witness a mock Victorian surgical demonstration presented within the original architecture of the old operating theatre of St Thomas’s Hospital dated to 1822.

Before the advent of anaesthesia, an operation had to be swift. Without hand-washing or antiseptics, the chance of later infection was high.

Upon entrance you will be welcomed to a glass of wine (included in the ticket price) and to spend some time looking around the museum.

Later on you will experience the whole demonstration from the point of view of a 19th century medical student. Do not miss out this fantastic opportunity to enjoy this Museum Late!