A CURIOUS call has gone out to all those hoarders of city heritage and accumulators of Oxford artefacts that could help create a collection of pictures and stories at the Westgate Centre.

The team behind the £440m shopping centre, opening October 24, is appealing to people to support its latest project called the ‘Cabinet of Curiosity’.

People are being asked what unusual treasures they have lurking in the lofts that tell the story of Oxford's past and should take pride of place in the cabinet display.

The first artefact in the cabinet will be an image of the rare medieval leather shoulder bag uncovered at the archaeological dig at the site where the Westgate now stands.

Oxford Archaeology senior project manager Ben Ford, who took part in the dig said: “We felt hugely privileged to investigate the amazing archaeology at the Westgate Oxford.

“Our work had a great response from the general public and this helped it win Best Archaeological Project of the Year in 2016.

“The 15,000 visitors we had to our open days and pop-up museums was a clear indication to me that their is a deep-seated enthusiasm and local interest in Oxford's past, whether recent or ancient.”

During the 2015 dig, the team uncovered ‘incredible discoveries’ including the medieval bag, a highly detailed crucifix pendent, medieval book clasps and writing tools dating back 750 years.

Mr Ford said: “These writing implements are one of the earliest and best preserved groups of such objects found in Oxford.

“They were used by scholars and students at Oxfords Greyfriars and date to the 13th century when Oxford was first gaining a reputation as a famous international University.”

Westgate is appealing for photographs of artefacts such as these which tell a tale of Oxford’s history. Mr Ford added: “I think the Cabinet is a great initiative as it gives the public the opportunity to display their own special objects and stories - and it’s a great excuse for people to excavate their lofts for buried treasure.”

Westgate Oxford Alliance general manager Brendan Hattam added: “Oxford is a city brimming with history and culture, and what better way to celebrate the arrival of its latest landmark than by honouring the past which inspired its design?

“We need the help and contributions of residents and hope to uncover many untold stories from the city.”

Contact to WestgateCabinet@privatedrama.com