Opening Hours
Our ‘core’ opening hours are:
Summer (April – October incl.)
1.00pm – 4.00pm (Weekdays)
11.00am – 4.00pm (Weekends)
Winter (November – March incl.)
11.00am – 3.00pm (Sat, Sun, Mon)
You are welcome to spend time in the wonderful unspoiled seventeenth century building that is Tewkesbury Museum. Discover Tewkesbury’s rich and diverse history through a collection which ranges from Roman remains through to wartime austerity. Learn about notable Tewkesbury people like Antarctic explorer Raymond Priestley. Study the magnificent diorama of the Battle of Tewkesbury and the unique fairground model.
The building itself is a time capsule. Restored by Abbey restorer Thomas Collins in the nineteenth century and donated to the town as a Museum by an ‘anonymous gentleman’ in the twentieth, it is unique, full of original features, eclectic and eccentric.
The Museum is very child-friendly, with activities to keep them absorbed for hours. Because of its age the building is not disabled-friendly, though the staff are and will do everything they can to help.
As a small independent museum we offer local knowledge, local research and a fascinating glimpse into times gone by.
We’re often open outside our core hours; it’s worth a look to see if we are open.
We also do our best to open for individuals or groups outside these hours, by special arrangement.
Allow at least an hour for a visit
Facebook Posts
TEWKESBURY MUSEUM IS RESTORING SALT'S FAIRGROUND - HELP NEEDED
One of the most popular attractions at the museum is the model fairground. This was originally built in the 1950s as a fully working model - motion, lights, sound. After a period of neglect it was given to the museum. Despite some early restoration, the fairground still had no functioning rides, and the woodwork and canvas were decayed.
Last year we began the work of restoring the 5 major rides, these need completing. In addition we want to create a whole new housing for the fair in a revamped front room to provide a shop window for the museum.
We already have some skilled modellers, but as the project has become more ambitious, we need more. Can you help?
Restoration Volunteers
We are looking for skilled, enthusiastic volunteers to continue the restoration work. In particular, we need:
• Model makers, capable of working in wood or metal
• Electrical/electronic technicians to assist with (low voltage) model power, lighting, sound and control systems.
• Cabinet makers/woodworkers to assist in the fabrication and fitting of the tabling to house the display, with associated storage.
• Painters, to decorate the tabling, paint canvas “tilts” (tarpaulin)
General Volunteers
We also need volunteers to help with the running of the museum. Meeting visitors, research, maintenance, administration, research. publicity, finance.
If you are interested in helping with any of these tasks, please contact me, Bill Adie, or any other museum volunteer. Email facebook@tewkesburymuseum.org
We would be happy to have a chat and show you around.
A very close up shot of banners from the Battle of Tewkesbury diorama. The diorama was made in 1971 to mark the 500th anniversary. It was designed by members of the Richard III Society, and built with lots of local assistance. The original model was constructed in situ in the room which now houses the fairground display. It was made using over 2,000 figures from the Airfix ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘Sheriff of Nottingham’ collections. Each tiny model was adapted by cutting and gluing for its specific role, and then was hand painted with the livery of the household it was to belong to before being carefully pinned into the landscape. The effect is striking, and the detail mesmerising. There is extensive use of heraldry and livery colours, which make it possible to identify groups and individuals.
The photograph was taken by local photographer Colin Davidson during a visit this week, using a macro lens and ring flash. Thanks Colin.
Photograph copyright Col.D photography, email col.dphotography@gmail.com
RAYMOND PRIESTLEY
Tewkesbury's Antarctic Explorer.
Priestley grew up in the town, and in later life lived at Bredons Norton. He visited Antarctic with both Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott, fought in the 1st World War, and was involved in university education in the West Indies, Australia and the UK.
Learn more about this fascinating man at Tewkesbury Museum. 64 Barton St. Open Saturday, Sunday, Monday 11 to 3. Entry free, but donations welcome.
The museum is also hosting a talk "Tewkesbury's Antarctic Hero" on 19th February, Trinity Hall 7PM.
Back for the beer festival, Steve Goodchild on the lost pubs of tewkesbury.
The first of the spring talks.
