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Chelmsford Museum facts for kids

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Chelmsford Museum
Oaklands House - August 2012 - panoramio.jpg
Oaklands House
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Established 1930
Location Oaklands House, Chelmsford,
Type Local history and industrial heritage

The Chelmsford Museum is a super interesting place to visit in Chelmsford, Essex. It's located in a beautiful old building called Oaklands House. This house is a special historic building, known as a Grade II Listed building. The museum helps you discover the exciting history of Chelmsford and the amazing inventions made here!

Discovering Oaklands House

Oaklands House is where the Chelmsford Museum lives. It was designed by Charles Pertwee for Frederick Wells. Frederick Wells was in charge of the Chelmsford Brewery. The house was finished by 1865. It even had a fancy bell tower! During the First World War, this grand house was used as a hospital. Since 1930, it has been home to the Chelmsford Museum. It welcomes visitors of all ages.

What You'll Find Inside: Museum Collections

The Chelmsford Museum is all about local history and industrial heritage. It shows how Chelmsford grew from ancient times to today. In 2010, the museum had a big update. It added new exhibits and interactive displays. These displays focus on amazing engineering pioneers.

Meet the Engineering Pioneers

You can learn about R.E.B. Crompton, a pioneer in electricity. There's also Guglielmo Marconi, who invented radio. You'll also discover Hoffmann Ball Bearings, a very important local company. These exhibits show how Chelmsford played a big part in new inventions.

Art and Pottery

The museum also has a cool art collection. It features works by artists connected to Chelmsford. These include Alfred Bennett Bamford and Doris Boulton-Maude. You can also see pottery. This includes Castle Hedingham ware and pieces by Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry.

The Essex Regiment and Yeomanry Museum

Inside Oaklands House, you'll also find another museum. It's dedicated to the Essex Regiment and the Essex Yeomanry. These were important military groups. You can see incredible items from their history.

Special Military Treasures

One highlight is a French Imperial Eagle. This was captured by the 44th Regiment of Foot. They took it from the French army in 1812. This happened during the Battle of Salamanca. Another amazing item is a painting. It's called The Last Stand of the 44th Regiment at Gundamuck. This painting by William Barnes Wollen shows a brave moment. It depicts the 1842 retreat from Kabul in Afghanistan.

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