Northgate Museum
Free, volunteer-run local history museum above the medieval Northgate in Bridgnorth, with more than 5,000 objects from the town and south Shropshire.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Northgate Museum was founded in 1951 by local people who wanted to preserve the history of Bridgnorth. It is housed in the rooms above the Northgate, the gateway at the north end of the town's High Street, where it has been a familiar feature for more than 70 years. The museum is run entirely by volunteers, many of them members of the Bridgnorth Historical Society, which has organised talks and outings since 1934.
Over the decades the museum has built up a collection of more than 5,000 objects from Bridgnorth and the surrounding area. They range from pictures, prints and paintings to everyday and archaeological objects, and the displays include an Edwardian cash till, a model of Bridgnorth in 1275, local archaeological finds and a rare timber-framed turret clock from the 17th century. A window overlooking the High Street gives visitors a different view of the town.
The museum is small and sees itself as the first stop for anyone discovering the history of the town and of south Shropshire.
Highlights
- Rare 17th-century wooden-framed turret clock
- Model of Bridgnorth in 1275
- Edwardian cash till and local archaeological finds
- Paintings and prints of Bridgnorth, including 19th-century views
- Window view over the High Street from above the Northgate
Permanent exhibition
- Bridgnorth and south Shropshire collection – Displays of more than 5,000 historical objects from the town and its surroundings, including a 17th-century turret clock and a model of the town in 1275.
- Founded
- 1951
- Operated by
- Bridgnorth Historical Society (volunteers)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free entry for everyone; donations are welcome, online or in cash at the museum.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: not available
- 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 not wheelchair accessible: the entrance is up a steep set of steps that are unsuitable for visitors with mobility difficulties. There are no toilets in the museum, but public toilets are within easy walking distance. Friendly dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
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Getting there & parking
By public transit
The museum can be reached by bus, car, on foot or on the Severn Valley Railway.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
The museum has no parking of its own; there are several public car parks within easy walking distance.
It is above the Northgate, at the north end of Bridgnorth High Street.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
No café or toilets in the museum; the High Street has cafés and restaurants within easy walking distance.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The museum recommends allowing at least an hour. Volunteer guides from the local history society are on hand to answer questions. |
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