Wollaston Museum

About the museum

The museum building was put up in 1752 as a Congregational chapel and rebuilt a few years later to make room for a growing congregation. The chapel closed in the 1880s and was then used by the Salvation Army, as a meeting place for returning servicemen after the First World War, for gymnastics and boxing, and as a photographer’s studio. From 1952 it served as a rehearsal room for the Wilaveston Players. After a period of neglect it was bought as a warehouse in 1969 and gutted by fire in 1971.

The Wollaston Society had been collecting records and objects about the village since 1970 and wanted to house them properly. It bought the burnt-out shell in 1976 and rebuilt it with help from local companies. The museum opened in November 1979. The only original feature to survive is the ornamental grille from the ventilator shaft, now set into the outer wall beside the door.

The society, now called the Wollaston Heritage Society, also looks after Curiosity Cottage, a restored labourer’s cottage at 104 High Street with an archive room, and the Beacon Hill motte. The displays are based on records, photographs and objects given by local people.

Highlights

• Museum in a rebuilt Congregational chapel of 1752
• Local records, photographs and objects donated by residents
• Curiosity Cottage, a restored labourer’s cottage with an archive room
• Beacon Hill motte castle site nearby
• Group and school visits by arrangement

Permanent exhibition

• Wollaston Museum collection – Local records, photographs and everyday objects donated by residents, including wartime items, sporting memorabilia and tools. Curiosity Cottage next door adds a restored labourer’s cottage and an archive room.

Founded

1979

Operated by

Wollaston Heritage Society

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The museum is on High Street in Wollaston village. Entering “Beacon Hill Motte Castle” in an online map leads to the museum.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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