Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre

histphoto1Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre is located in a fine 18th century grade II listed building in the Market Place. Our permanent displays tell the story of this historic market town, from prehistoric times up until the present day. You can discover more about the history of the town and local area by investigating our collections and by meeting some of our famous former residents as they guide you through history.

We have a regular series of changing temporary exhibitions, many of which we do in partnership with local clubs and societies. Go to our Diary Page to see what exhibitions we currently have.

histphoto2Our education service provides advice, workshops, talks and lectures to schools, colleges, life long learning and community groups. The education service is free to civic area school groups, with minimal charges to other areas. Further details are available on the education pages.

Our fully fitted lecture room is also available for hire, offering space for up to 40 people. The room contains audio visual equipment, a hearing loop and tea & coffee making facilities. For further information, please contact us here.

We also have a dedicated research room that has access to our collection of maps, photographs, trade directories, town council minutes, burial records, historical electoral records and historic periodicals that can be used for genealogical and local history research. To see if we can help with your research or to book our research room please contact us.

There is also a shop, selling local history books and publications, relating to the town and local area.

histphoto3There are many opportunities to become involved with Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre. We have a dedicated team of wardens who assist with all aspects of our work, from dealing with visitors, answering queries, working with the collection, assisting with educational work, helping with future exhibitions and researching local history subjects. To find our more about the work of our wardens and get involved yourself, see the information on our Wardens Newsletter.

Grand Designs: The Buildings and Builders of Chippenham'

Our new exhibition is 'Grand Designs: The Buildings and Builders of Chippenham'. The exhibition looks at how the town has developed over the centuries, from our surviving medieval buildings, the 18th century economic boom, the grand Georgian houses of 'Little Bath', and concentrating on the huge changes in the town since Brunel brought his railway here in 1841.

Visitors can find out about some of our 282 listed buildings, including the two Grade I listed, and details about the other 104 listed buildings that have been demolished since 1945. There is also a feature on town builders such as Downing & Rudman, John Smith, Hulbert, Light and Co, etc

Displays feature objects relating to historic town buildings including a piece of medieval wattle and daub from the Yelde Hall, a section of the first electric cable laid in the town in 1903, Victorian builder's tools, photographs, maps, sale notices and a never before seen DVD of demolition and construction in the town from the late 1960's through to the 1980's. A display of newly acquired aerial photographs will show how the town has changed since 1975.

Runs until 2nd October 2010, Museum is open 10.00am - 4.00pm, Monday to Saturday, admission is FREE

New Book on Bird's Marsh Wood

Chippenham Town Council have published the first in our Chippenham Studies series, Bird's Marsh, Chippenham; an Unfinished Story. The book by local author, Stephen E Hunt, explores the history, lore and natural history of this unique place, loved by generations of Chippenham people. Copies are available from the Heritage Centre, price £6.95.

The next in there series will be The Wilts & Berks Canal, Chippenham Branch, watch out for publication dates later in 2010.