Entertainment Swindon

The Cricklade Museum was established by the Cricklade Historical Society who are responsible for its maintenance.

The Museum is a key tourist attraction for Cricklade.
Despite its small size, houses more than 12,000 items in its collection.

The aim of the Museum is to collect, conserve, research, interpret and provide public access to objects associated with the Cricklade district thereby encouraging people to acquire knowledge of local history.

The main strength of the collection lies in objects from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the archive of local family history, family trees, maps and a properties index together with a veritable mine of information held in the Museum’s archive.

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The current museum building was originally erected as a Baptist Chapel in 1852 by the “Strict Baptists” – the Museum was formerly housed in the old Weighbridge next to the Town Hall Annexe. The date is carved on the window arch above the porch. It was the first of no less than four churches built by the energetic and enthusiastic non–conformists of mid–Victorian Cricklade and continued in use until dwindling congregations led to its closure in 1937.

During the Second World War the building became a Womens’ Voluntary Service canteen for the armed services based mainly at surrounding RAF bases such as RAF Blakehill Farm and RAF Down Ampney.

From 1955 until 1984 the building again became a church – this time a Roman Catholic one (the Roman Catholics now worship at St. Mary’s Church, situated at the north end of the High Street; this church no longer being used by the Church of England).

In 1985 the building was purchased by Cricklade Town Council and leased to the Cricklade Historical Society for use as a Museum. It was officially opened in June 1986. The restoration work was carried out by the late Sidney Giles; a local builder.

Since 1985 the Museum building has been maintained by the Cricklade Historical Society for the benefit of the town and its tourists.

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The museum opens between March and November each year on
Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings – see timetable below.

We can open by appointment for a small donation outside these published opening times.

Please email or phone 07453 766744 to make any private appointments

Additionally we have a calendar of Talks / Walks / Events available to attend – click here