Hollytrees Museum facts for kids

Hollytrees Museum in Colchester

Hollytrees Museum is a publicly owned museum in the centre of Colchester. It is very close to the famous Colchester Castle. The museum is located in a beautiful house that was built in the 1700s. This house, called "Hollytrees," was a private home until 1929. That's when it became a museum for everyone to visit!

The first house on this spot was known as "Symnells." It was later bought by the Shaw family. After some time, the house needed a lot of work. So, in 1718, a new house was built for Elizabeth Cornelisen. She bought the land and decided to tear down the old, worn-out building. Building the new house cost a lot of money, about £2,000 in total back then!

Elizabeth Cornelisen passed away soon after. She left the house to her niece, Sarah Creffeild. Sarah then left it to her second husband, Charles Gray. At that time, the house was sometimes called "Esqr Creffield's." Over the years, the house passed through several family members, including the Round family. Finally, in 1922, the Round family sold the house to the town of Colchester. A very generous person, Viscount Cowdray, and his wife paid for it. In 1929, Hollytrees officially opened as a museum.

The house got its name, Hollytrees, from two holly trees. These trees were planted in the grounds by Charles Gray in 1729. Today, the museum focuses on the local history of Colchester. It also has Colchester's Visitor Information Centre, where you can get tips for exploring the town. Hollytrees is a very important historical building, known as a Grade I listed building.

What Can You See at Hollytrees?

Hollytrees Museum is a great place to learn about Colchester's past. You can explore different rooms in the old house. Each room shows what life was like in the 1700s and 1800s. You'll see old furniture, clothes, and everyday items. It's like stepping back in time!

The museum has many interesting collections. These include items from Colchester's Roman past. You can also see things from the Victorian era. There are displays about local people and their stories. It's a fun way to discover how people lived long ago.

Visiting the Museum

Hollytrees Museum is a friendly place for families. It often has special activities for children. You can learn about history in a fun and interactive way. The museum is free to enter, which is great for everyone.

Don't forget to visit the Visitor Information Centre inside. They can help you plan your day in Colchester. You can find maps, leaflets, and advice on other attractions. It's a handy stop before you explore the rest of the town.