Braintree Museum
A local museum in a Victorian school building in Braintree, covering archaeology, local industry, and the Courtauld, Warner and Crittall archives.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Braintree's museum collections began in a room in the Town Hall that opened in 1928 to show the collections of the local historian Alfred Hills and the Courtauld family. Since 1993 the museum has been housed in the former Manor Street School. The school opened in 1862 with money from the silk manufacturer George Courtauld, was taken over by the local school board in 1875 and closed in 1990. An infants' building was added in 1897 and now serves as the Learning for Life Centre.
The main galleries tell the story of Braintree from prehistoric times to the present day, with an emphasis on archaeology, industry and craftsmanship. Roman finds from excavations in the 1980s and medieval objects from Cressing Temple Barns are among the archaeological strengths. The museum also keeps an original Victorian classroom and objects connected with the school.
The museum cares for the company archives of Courtauld and Co., the furnishing silk maker Warner and Sons, and Crittall Manufacturing Company, the window makers, which shaped the town's industrial history. It is run by the Braintree District Museum Trust together with Braintree District Council, and offers events, school visits, holiday activities and a cafe.
Highlights
- Galleries from prehistory to the 21st century
- Archives of Courtauld, Warner Textile Archive and Crittall Windows
- Original Victorian classroom
- Roman and medieval finds from the Braintree area
- Cafe, shop and garden
Permanent exhibitions
- Main galleries – The history of Braintree from prehistoric times to the present day, with a focus on archaeology, industry and craftsmanship.
- Crittall Windows area – A display on Crittall Manufacturing Company, the window makers whose family roots lie in Braintree, drawing on the company archive.
- Victorian classroom – An original classroom from the former Manor Street School, with school objects and archives.
- Operated by
- Braintree District Museum Trust
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £4Concessions (aged 65 and over) |
| Children & teens | £3free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 16 pay £3; under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. |
| Seniors | £4Concession for visitors aged 65 and over. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Carers accompanying disabled visitors are admitted free (not childminders or daycare staff). |
| Groups (7+ people) | –Groups of more than 6 people should contact the museum in advance. Daycare groups pay £1 per child with adults free if booked in advance; otherwise adults pay on the day. |
| Families | £20Covers up to 4 people and is valid for 12 months from purchase. It excludes events and is sold only at the museum. |
| Daycare group (per child, advance booking, adults free) | £1 |
Free entry for Friends of Braintree District Museum, Art Pass holders and carers accompanying disabled visitors. Tickets can also be bought online.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is on one level, and staff and volunteers are available at reception. A quiet space can be used if needed. The museum publishes a full access statement on its website.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £20 · Covers up to 4 people and is valid for 12 months from purchase. It excludes events and is sold only at the museum. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
- Kids’ birthday parties: not available
The museum runs children's craft events, Toddler Time, a holiday club and sleepovers, and has hands-on activities and dressing-up areas. Changing facilities are available and breastfeeding is welcome. There is no buggy park, but staff can suggest safe places to leave buggies.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Braintree Bus Park
Braintree railway station is a 5 to 10 minute walk away, with direct trains to London Liverpool Street, Witham and Chelmsford. Braintree Bus Park is opposite the museum, with buses to Witham, Colchester, Chelmsford, Halstead, Stansted Airport and other places.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
The museum has no car park. The Manor Street and Victoria Street car parks opposite are closed because of the Manor Street regeneration; the district council website lists alternatives.
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The Something Scrummy cafe has indoor and outdoor seating, takeaway drinks and food and a children's menu. The shop sells gifts and local honey and offers a photo reproduction service. A garden and an indoor space can be used for packed lunches.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Up to 80 guests.
The Old School Hall in the former infants' building seats up to 80 people and is hired for talks, workshops and events. Hire for birthday parties is not offered. A discounted rate applies to registered charities.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School visits use historical objects with themes such as Victorians, local history, the Second World War, John Ray and the Warner Textile Archive. Group visits and sleepovers can be arranged. |
