Battle Museum of Local History
Volunteer-run museum in the Almonry at Battle, with local finds from the age of the dinosaurs to the mid-20th century, including a Saxon battle-axe head.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum's collection grew from a local exhibition held for the Festival of Britain in 1951. It was kept in several places in Battle before moving to its present home in the Almonry in 2003. The museum is an independent charity, is accredited by Arts Council England and is run entirely by volunteers.
The displays cover around 125 million years of local history. The earliest objects include a cast of an Iguanodon footprint and stone tools from the Palaeolithic period, followed by Roman finds from the bathhouse at Beauport Park. A Saxon battle-axe head found in 1951 may have been lost at the Battle of Hastings, and it appeared in a Time Team programme. Other displays cover the local gunpowder industry, Victorian gadgets and the effects of the two World Wars on the town.
The museum is in the Almonry, which is surrounded by gardens looked after by volunteers, and it also holds the oldest known effigy of Guy Fawkes.
Highlights
- Saxon battle-axe head linked to 1066
- Cast of an Iguanodon footprint
- Roman finds from the Beauport Park bathhouse
- Local gunpowder industry and Victorian objects
- Gardens around the Almonry
Permanent exhibitions
- Dinosaurs to the Romans – A cast of an Iguanodon footprint, Palaeolithic stone tools and Roman finds from the Beauport Park bathhouse.
- 1066 and the Saxon battle-axe – A Saxon axe head found in 1951, a replica made in the original way and a diorama of the key stages of the battle.
- Gunpowder, Victoriana and the World Wars – Objects from the local gunpowder industry, Victorian gadgets and displays on the two World Wars in Battle.
- Founded
- 1956
- Operated by
- Battle Museum of Local History (independent charity)
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum states that it is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Labels are printed in 16-point type for visitors with sight difficulties.
Kids & families
The shop sells children's items such as helmets, wooden swords and dinosaur models.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Battle railway station · 17-min walk
Buses stop on Battle High Street, including Stagecoach routes 304, 305 and 95. Battle railway station is about a 17-minute walk away.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum shop sells local history books, pottery, mugs, magnets and badges, and items for children such as helmets, wooden swords and dinosaur models. The museum is surrounded by the Almonry Gardens, including a cottage garden with a loggia.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
