Erewash Museum

About the museum

Erewash Museum occupies a Grade II listed Georgian house with stables and a converted hayloft in the centre of Ilkeston. The site is recorded as early as 1598, and the oldest parts of the present house date from the early 1700s, with the frontage and an extension added later in that century. In 1806 John Dalby took over the property and gave it the name Dalby House.

Over the following centuries the house had a series of owners and residents, among them a local doctor in the 1860s and 1870s and members of a family of lace manufacturers. In the twentieth century it was renamed St George's House and later used by a school. Erewash Borough Council bought the house and gardens in 1980 and opened them as a museum.

The displays focus mainly on modern local history and everyday life in the borough, with industrial sites such as Stanton Ironworks and the local collieries as important collecting themes. The collections also include military material from the two World Wars and earlier conflicts, lace and textiles, costume, historic photographs and a small art collection. A walled garden, a volunteer-run café and a gift shop complete the site.

Highlights

• Georgian house with stables and hayloft
• Local industry: ironworks, collieries and lace
• Military history from the Crimean War to the World Wars
• Historic photographs of Ilkeston and the borough
• Walled garden and restored Handyside Urn
• Dalby House Café run by volunteers

Founded

1980

Operated by

Erewash Borough Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the museum and walled garden is free. Holiday workshops and pay-and-play activities are charged separately (roughly £4 to £15 according to the hire price list).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• 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

The ground floor is accessible, with an accessible toilet. The first floor can currently be reached by stairs only because of the Georgian building. Hearing loops are provided in reception and the Hayloft. A quiet space and sensory backpacks are available on request. Seating is provided in each gallery. Pushchairs can be left in the entrance area. An AccessAble access guide exists for the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum runs family-friendly activities and holiday workshops, and children's birthday parties can be booked. School groups can use a self-guided trail and loan boxes.

Getting there & parking

The museum lies in the centre of Ilkeston, just off High Street. what3words location: define.rents.remedy.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available

Dalby House Café is run largely by volunteers, with proceeds supporting the museum. There is a gift shop in the reception area.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Hayloft, Lally Gallery, Stable Tea Room, Dalby House Café and garden can be hired by the hour, or the whole site for weddings and larger functions. Children's birthday parties are also possible.

Plan your visit