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Bakewell's Old House Museum

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Mrs GreavesNestled away behind Bakewell Church, the Old House Museum is the towns best kept secret.  This intriquing old house was originally built as a parsonage house in the reign of Henry VIII for the collection of church taxes within the large medieval parish of Bakewell.  In the late 16th century the house was extended to become a farmhouse, and during  the 18th  Sir Richard Arkwright converted the building into tenements for his mill workers.  The 19th century saw the building deteriorate into slum dwellings yet the house was saved from demolition in 1954 by the newly formed Bakewell and District Historical Society whose reason for existence was to rescue the ruin from the bulldozer.


Now a museum with twelve oak beamed rooms to explore, with wattle and daub partitions and great open fireplaces, the building is home to a fascinating collection of donated items.

The Tudor Parlour and Houseplace, the genuine Victorian millworkers dwelling a rare tudor lavatory the garderobe, Wheelwrights Shop and Blacksmiths Forge are an atmospheric backdrop for packed rooms full of items from pottery, tools, textiles, war memorabilia early photographic equipment and lighting from yesteryear plus specialist toy and costume collections.

The toy collections are housed in the schoolroom, including Noah’s Ark, model butchers shop, toy soldiers, dolls, games and many more items.

Especially for 2007 costumes, housed in the Solar (magnificent oak beamed Tudor bedroom) will feature wedding dresses throughout the ages including one from the Jayne Eyre period.

With hands on activities for children, quiz sheets, drawing boards and materials plus a handling collection the Old House is a delight to visit for all family members.

Open from 21st March - 31st October - 11am - 4pm Adult tickets £3, Child £1.50

Group and evening guided visits with refreshments can be accommodated throughout the open season.  School and youth party visits all accommodated with schools resource box available for loan.

T:elephone 01629 813642
 
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