Tewkesbury Museum
A volunteer-supported local museum in a 17th-century house in Tewkesbury, with a Battle of Tewkesbury diorama, a fairground model and free entry.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The first proposal for a museum in Tewkesbury came around the time of Queen Victoria's death, and a short-lived museum opened in the old fire station in 1905. It was a mixed collection of curiosities and closed after about a year for lack of staff, heating and visitors.
The present museum dates from 1959, when a local benefactor bought 64 Barton Street for the town on condition that the front building be used as a museum. It opened on 11 May 1962 and was later presented as a 17th-century period house with furnished rooms. Visitor numbers grew quickly in the early 1970s, but local government reorganisation in 1974 led to a closure and the loss of much of the collection.
The museum reopened in 1980 under a new trust and was reopened again after repairs in 1981. It has since become an accredited museum and the official place of deposit for locally found archaeology. It is run by a registered charity supported by Tewkesbury Town Council and relies heavily on volunteers. The displays cover local history from Roman remains to the Second World War and include a diorama of the Battle of Tewkesbury and a model fairground.
Highlights
- Diorama of the Battle of Tewkesbury
- Working fairground models and the history of the Mop Fair
- Displays on the Antarctic explorer Raymond Priestley
- Memories of Ashchurch, including prisoner-of-war camp 1009
- Free entry in a 17th-century house
Permanent exhibitions
- Battle of Tewkesbury diorama – A model scene of the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury.
- Fairground model and Mop Fair – A fairground model with working parts and an exhibition on the history of the town's Mop Fair.
- Raymond Priestley, Antarctic explorer – A display on the Antarctic explorer Raymond Priestley.
- Founded
- 1962
- Operated by
- Tewkesbury Museum (registered charity CIO)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
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 17th-century building is difficult for visitors with mobility issues, with narrow corridors and steep, uneven stairs. Wheelchairs cannot use most of the building, though an unpowered wheelchair may manage the single step into the ground-floor fairground room with help. Improvements are planned if funding allows.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
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- Family tours & workshops
The museum describes itself as very child-friendly, with activities for children, and lists children's activities among its events.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Most local buses stop within 100 metres of the museum.
By car
Free parking
Limited free street parking outside for a maximum of one hour. Nearby council car parks (charges apply) include Rails Meadow (150 m, GL20 5PY), Spring Gardens (260 m, GL20 5DN, with toilets), St Mary's Lane (350 m) and Oldbury Road (350 m).
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Allow at least an hour. Individuals and groups can arrange visits outside the normal opening hours. |
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