William Carey Museum
Small museum in Central Baptist Church, Leicester, on the missionary William Carey and the Baptist Missionary Society, open by appointment and on special open days.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The William Carey Museum is housed in Central Baptist Church on Charles Street in Leicester. It is dedicated to William Carey, a Baptist missionary to India who helped to found the Baptist Missionary Society and campaigned against the practice of sati. He also brought the first printing press to India, which made it possible to print newspapers and religious books, including the Bible, in several Indian languages.
The museum was originally kept in William Carey's former cottage in Leicester. When the cottage was demolished to make way for a hotel, the collection was moved into a vestry of the church. It holds artefacts, documents and illuminated dioramas that outline Carey's life and work.
The church building itself is Grade II listed. It was designed by the local architect William Flynt and built in 1830 as the Charles Street Baptist Chapel. It took its present name in 1983 after several Baptist congregations joined together. The museum is not open on a regular daily basis; visits for individuals and groups are arranged through the church, and guided tours are offered on heritage open days.
Highlights
- Life and work of the missionary William Carey
- Artefacts, documents and illuminated dioramas
- Story of the Baptist Missionary Society
- Grade II listed Baptist chapel of 1830
- Guided tours on heritage open days
Permanent exhibition
- William Carey Museum – Artefacts, documents and illuminated dioramas on the life of William Carey and the founding of the Baptist Missionary Society.
- Operated by
- Central Baptist Church, Leicester
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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 Heritage Open Days listing for the building describes full wheelchair access, accessible toilets including a Changing Places toilet, and a baby changing area.
Kids & families
- Baby changing facilities
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 40 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours were offered on heritage open days in 2025; a guide explained the museum and the history of the church. Contact the church to arrange a visit at other times. |
