Bewdley Museum

About the museum

Bewdley Museum grew out of a trust formed in 1969 to create a living museum where traditional crafts are shown at work. The brick-arched Shambles, once used as a storage depot by the old borough council, was restored from 1971, and the museum opened in 1972. The rope walk was the first working exhibit, and a brass foundry joined it in 1978. A herb garden followed in 1987.

The collections cover the trades of the Wyre Forest area, with geology, archaeology, social history and coins. Fifty etchings by Frank Brangwyn were given in 1933, and in 1990 a large group of paintings, textiles and other objects was transferred from Kidderminster Museum and Art Gallery. The museum also keeps significant photographic and oral history archives.

Today the museum is run by Wyre Forest District Council and is free to enter. Displays include the rope walk, the 250-year-old brass foundry, police and fire exhibits, the 1802 town jails, a World War II air raid shelter, a Bronze Age display and the story of the town. Craftspeople still work in studios on the site, and the Georgian Guildhall is a licensed wedding venue.

Highlights

• Working rope walk with traditional crafts
• Brass foundry about 250 years old
• Town jails built in 1802
• World War II air raid shelter
• Resident craftspeople and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens

Permanent exhibitions

• Brass Foundry – A foundry about 250 years old, with stories from its workers and a look at the office.
• Town Jails – Cells built in 1802 with old police equipment and tales of crime and punishment in the 19th century.
• Air Raid Shelter – A shelter built in 1940 for Post Office staff, shown on guided tours that recreate life in the 1940s.

Founded

1972

Operated by

Wyre Forest District Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free. Special events and workshops may be ticketed.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Most of the museum can be reached through level entrances or ramps, except the air raid shelter. Two ramps lead in from the Jubilee Gardens: the right-hand one is steeper and leads to the cafe, the left-hand one is gentler and leads to the herb garden. The Shambles and parts of the brass foundry have uneven cobbles. One wheelchair can be borrowed (booking is advised), and large print and braille guides can be borrowed at the front desk in the shop. Three accessible toilets are in the cafe area. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Hands-on and sensory displays, a children menu in the cafe, two baby changing units and craft activities in school holidays.

Getting there & parking

There are two entrances: from Load Street and from the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Garden Kitchen Cafe is in the courtyard next to the Jubilee Gardens. The shop at the Load Street entrance sells gifts and handmade crafts made in the museum. Picnics are welcome in the gardens. Well-behaved dogs on leads are allowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

All or part of the museum and the Jubilee Gardens can be hired for public or private events. The Georgian Guildhall, a former courtroom, is licensed for wedding ceremonies, and the herb garden and Green Theatre can host drinks receptions.

Plan your visit