Hannah Warner has visited museums around the world, but was embarrassed to admit she had never set foot in Stamford’s very own museum. She decided to find out what was there

Interesting Artefacts…

Stamford Museum is a warm and friendly place. As I stood in the reception area, all the staff I met were keen to answer any questions I had, as well as dealing with enquiries from other members of the public. One person was looking into his family history, whilst another had arrived with an unknown artefact that he wanted to know more about. As Community Engagement Officer Philippa Massey told me “If we don’t know the answer, we will always point you in the direction of someone who does”.

The first thing you see is the fabulous Stamford Tapestry. Taking three years to plan, and another 17 to complete by the Stamford Tapestry Association, it features the town through the ages and includes many prominent landmarks and figures.

Opposite the Tapestry is the Temporary Exhibition area. There are three exhibitions a year with the current one being The 18th Century in Stamford. The Museum already has a permanent 18th display, but following a public consultation on what exactly people wanted to know about this era, an expanded and improved display, bursting with information, will be on show very soon.

Moving upstairs I found myself on a chronological walk through the history of Stamford. Great artefacts included remains of Saxon Stamford pottery - Stamford’s first industry - pieces of which have been discovered across Europe, through to the last remaining fragment of the original Stamford Eleanor Cross.

I discovered Wittering once had its own racecourse, Stamford’s Assembly Rooms were the first of their kind in the country, and that Bull Running really did go on in the town until the 1830s… and much, much more – it was great!

The Remarkable Records collection…

Behind the Museum is a second building, known as the Archive Store. I was expecting dusty artefacts in boxes, but what I discovered was a fascinating treasure trove of records about all aspects of the town. Amongst the vast collection of files and books are Stamford’s Street Directories. Dating from 1846 up until 1984, they contain an alphabetically arranged list of who lived in which house or building in town, and what many of these people did for a living. Tradesman, professionals and other ‘notable gentlemen’ are all listed, allowing you to discover if your house was ever used for another purpose, or simply who lived there before you.

If you want to discover exactly what changes have been made to your house, the museum holds copies of all planning permissions granted since the 1960s, whilst the Street Index contains information on any important events or developments on the town’s various streets over the years. There are also the findings of the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments in England, which includes a list of all the buildings that formed the town’s Conservation Area, the first of its kind in the country.

The Museum is also home to a large archive of Blackstone’s records. As well as many photographs there are manuals for every single engine the Stamford company produced. Staff receive calls from people all over the country and beyond, who want to restore an old engine and are desperate to know exactly which parts they need.

If you fancy a walk…

The team are happy to give group guided walks of the town on request, although there is a small charge for this. Victorian, Tudor, Viking and even Greek themed tours of the town have all been given in the past, and they are happy to consider all requests!

…Or a talk…

Every winter, the Museum gives a series of illustrated talks. Although mostly researched and delivered by members of the museum staff, other local historians and guest speakers are also featured.

And for Children…

The Museum has a good relationship with many local schools, and offers a wide range of sessions to tie in with the National Curriculum, from local history to world changing events and has a designated educational area.

In addition, there are also Children’s Holiday Activity sessions. Aimed at 5-11 year olds, these are fun, arts and craft based groups featuring everything from dinosaurs to gardens and the Romans! Look for leaflets outside the Museum just before the school holidays begin for more details.

Stamford Museum, Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PJ

Tel: 01780 766317 www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/stamfordmuseum

Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun (from April-September) 1pm-4pm