Nuneaton Heritage Centre

About the museum

The centre occupies a Grade II listed former free school at Chilvers Coton, now part of Nuneaton. The school was built in 1735 by the Newdigate family of Arbury Hall, when Lady Elizabeth Newdigate paid for a charity school to teach 30 poor children of the parish. It was extended in the 1760s and enlarged in 1844 and 1848, with further additions in 1874 and improvements in 1893. The boys' and girls' schools merged in 1932.

The nearby parish church was destroyed by a bomb in 1941, and the school closed in 1954, although the buildings were used for overflow classes until 1973. The site then passed to the local Parks Department and by the 1980s faced possible demolition. In 1988 local conservationists led by Beryl Kerby began a campaign to save the building and turn it into a heritage centre, and the campaign included the founding of Nuneaton Civic Society.

Today the building is still owned by the borough council but run by trustees and volunteers, and it has been restored with lottery and other grants. Visitors can see a restored Victorian schoolroom and parlour and a collection of books, maps and local archives about Chilvers Coton and Nuneaton, including bound local newspapers from the 1800s. The centre also has a research room for family history, a collection of old photographs of Nuneaton, regular exhibitions and rooms that community groups can hire.

Highlights

• Restored Victorian schoolroom and parlour
• Local archives, maps and bound newspapers from the 1800s
• Historic photographs of Nuneaton in the 1900s
• Research room for family history with online genealogy sites
• Grade II listed charity school building of 1735

Permanent exhibitions

• Victorian schoolroom and parlour – A restored Victorian classroom with original desks, slates and dip pens, and a parlour, where school classes can experience a lesson as it was over 100 years ago.
• Local history collection – Books, maps and archives about Chilvers Coton and Nuneaton, including bound local newspapers from the 1800s.
• Old Nuneaton photographs – Historic photographs of Nuneaton in the 1900s, showing town centre scenes, floods, demolition and royal visits.

Operated by

Chilvers Coton Centre Trust (trustees and volunteers)

Admission & discounts

The website does not publish an admission price for visitors. School visits to the Victorian schoolroom cost from £35 per class.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 centre says it is suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users, but mobility scooters cannot be used inside the building. There are toilets, including an accessible toilet and a baby changing area next to the main hall.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

School classes can try a Victorian lesson in the restored schoolroom. The centre also offers help with family history research.

Getting there & parking

The centre is on Avenue Road in Chilvers Coton. The what3words address is round.valid.frame.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 100 guests.

The main hall holds 60 seated or 100 standing guests and can be divided into two rooms; the Streather Room seats 10 to 12. Hirers can use the courtyards and kitchen facilities. Afternoon teas for up to 40 people can be arranged with at least 72 hours' notice. The venue is not licensed for the sale of alcohol.

Plan your visit