Winchelsea Court Hall Museum
Small volunteer museum in the medieval Court Hall of Winchelsea, showing the history of the Cinque Ports town with maps, models and a list of mayors.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Winchelsea Court Hall Museum was founded in 1950. It occupies the first-floor courtroom of the Court Hall in the High Street, one of the oldest buildings in the town. The hall was heavily restored in the 19th century, but it keeps a crown-post roof from the 15th century and a medieval chimney.
One of the museum’s first acquisitions was a set of photographs of Winchelsea given by Hastings Corporation. Later gifts brought in objects connected with the Cinque Ports, the medieval confederation of coastal towns to which Winchelsea belonged, and archaeological finds from the area.
The displays use maps, models, pictures and local pottery to show the history of the town and everyday life in the surrounding countryside. Wall panels list the mayors of Winchelsea, a list that is complete from 1430 and partly complete from 1295. The museum also has a section on the children of Winchelsea and a small shop.
Highlights
- Oak boards listing the mayors of Winchelsea from 1295
- Maps, models and pictures of the medieval town
- Local pottery and archaeological finds
- First-floor courtroom with a 15th-century crown-post roof
Permanent exhibitions
- History of Winchelsea – Maps, models, pictures and pottery on the history of the town and daily life in the area, with sections on social history, turbulent times, art and literature, and the children of Winchelsea.
- List of mayors – Oak boards naming the mayors of Winchelsea, complete from 1430 and partly complete from 1295.
- Founded
- 1950
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £4 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children under 18 enter free. |
Payment by cash or contactless card.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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 on the first floor of the Court Hall and is reached by steps. The museum says this rules out access for wheelchair users, as there is no other entrance.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
Children under 18 enter free. The museum has a section on the children of Winchelsea.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the Court Hall on the High Street in Winchelsea.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum shop sells books, maps of the town and surrounding area, and souvenirs.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Group visits of all kinds are welcome. School groups are limited to 15 children with an appropriate number of helpers. |
