Bagshaw Museum

About the museum

Bagshaw Museum is housed in The Woodlands, a Gothic Revival mansion built in 1875 for the mill owner George Sheard. After his death the local authority bought the house and its grounds, which became Wilton Park. In 1911 the local manufacturer Walter Bagshaw converted the mansion into a museum, using his own collection as its foundation. It was first called Wilton Park Museum and was renamed after him following his death in 1927.

Unusually for a local museum, it has a large Egyptian collection. The Kingdom of Osiris display recreates an Egyptian tomb and includes genuine antiquities as well as a full-size replica mummy made in 1969. Collections from Japan, China and South Asia grew from gifts and purchases in the early twentieth century, and an African gallery invites visitors to make music.

Local history is covered too, with displays on Fox’s Biscuits and the Batley Variety Club, and a recreated Victorian day at the seaside. The museum is run by Kirklees Council and stands in parkland with woodland and lakeside walks and a children’s play area.

Highlights

• The Kingdom of Osiris Egyptian tomb display
• Spirit of South Asia gallery
• African gallery with music-making
• Recreated Victorian seaside day out
• Local displays on Fox’s Biscuits and the Batley Variety Club

Permanent exhibitions

• The Kingdom of Osiris – A recreated Egyptian tomb with genuine antiquities and a replica mummy.
• Spirit of South Asia – A gallery on the cultures of South Asia, drawing on the museum’s Asian collections.
• African Gallery – Objects from Africa, with a hands-on area for making music.

Founded

1911

Operated by

Kirklees Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free during normal opening hours. Charges apply for visits outside normal hours, which must be booked with the museum.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is a level accessible entrance, and the ground floor is step-free; the main front entrance has three steps. A platform lift serves the first-floor galleries. The accessible toilet with baby changing is on the ground floor. A hearing loop operates at reception and in the shop, and assistance dogs are welcome. One Blue Badge bay is at the rear of the building, near the accessible entrance. The museum does not lend wheelchairs. Mobility scooters and prams can use the ground floor only.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

There is a children’s play area in Wilton Park, with woodland and lakeside walks. Baby changing is in the ground-floor accessible toilet. Fire regulations restrict pushchairs in parts of the Victorian building.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Woodlands Road, off Upper Batley Lane. On foot, walk up through Wilton Park from Bradford Road.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

A small refreshment area in the shop and reception sells hot and cold drinks, ice creams and snacks. The gift shop in the Victorian entrance hall sells Egyptian-inspired items, gemstones and Fair Trade goods. There are three bicycle racks outside.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Room hire is offered; details are on the Kirklees Council website.

Plan your visit