Lowestoft Maritime Museum facts for kids
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Lowestoft Maritime Museum in 2016
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| Established | 1968 |
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| Location | Sparrows Nest Gardens, Whapload Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1XG |
| Type | Maritime museum |
The Lowestoft Maritime Museum is a special place in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England. It's a private museum that tells the amazing story of the sea, both locally and across the country.
Inside, you'll find cool things like medals from the Royal Navy and RNLI. There's also beautiful marine art and displays about Lowestoft's fishing industry. You can learn about the town's role with the Royal Navy in World War II.
The museum also shows off tools used by shipbuilders and barrel makers. There's a huge collection of ship models of all sizes. You can even see the workshop of Christopher Cockerell, who invented the hovercraft! Plus, there's a small exhibit about Thomas Crisp, a local hero who won the Victoria Cross in World War I.
This museum is Britain's most easterly museum. It's run by people who love maritime history and volunteer their time. You can visit it from late April to late October each year. The museum was named Suffolk Museum of the Year in 2012. It was also a finalist for the award in 2014. There is a small fee to enter.
A Look Back: How the Museum Started
The Lowestoft and East Suffolk Maritime Society began in 1958. It was started by local people who were very interested in the sea. Key members included Engineer Captain E.G. Malet-Warden and Captain N.C. Darnell. Skipper Lieutenant William 'Bill' Soloman was also a big part of it. He helped gather many of the items you see in the museum today.
As the collection grew, the local council helped out. In 1968, they gave the Society a historic cottage. This cottage, located in Sparrow's Nest Park, became the permanent Maritime Museum. Each room first focused on different parts of the fishing industry. There was also a special display about the Royal Naval Patrol Service. This group had its main base, called HMS Europa, right next door during both World Wars.
The museum's collection kept getting bigger and better. In 1977, the cottage was made larger. This expansion cost £10,000, which was raised through donations and fundraising. A new room was named the "Bill Soloman Room." This honored Skipper "Bill" Soloman, who had done so much to build the collection. Prince Philip officially opened this extension in 1978.
In 2010, the museum received a special grant. This money from the Heritage Lottery Fund helped them update their displays. A new extension was built, and Princess Anne opened it in 2010. In March 2016, the museum received its Arts Council Accreditation. This means it meets high standards for museums.
What You Can See: Amazing Exhibits
The museum has many interesting things for you to explore. You can see a display of medals given to brave naval and RNLI crew members. There's also a large collection of marine art. You'll be amazed by the many ships in bottles on display.
Learn about the fishing industry in Lowestoft. Discover how the town helped the Royal Navy in World War II. See a workbench with tools used by shipbuilders and barrel makers. There's a huge collection of ship models in different sizes.
One special exhibit is the workshop of Christopher Cockerell. He was the inventor of the hovercraft. His workshop was moved to the museum after he passed away in 1999. You can see his original tools and even his left-handed lathe.
Another display tells the story of Robert William Hook (1828–1911). He was a coxswain at RNLI Lowestoft for many years. He is credited with saving over 600 lives! There's also a small display about Thomas Crisp. He was a local hero who won the Victoria Cross in World War I. His original Memorial Plaque is on show.
The museum also has fun, interactive displays for kids. You can try a maritime identification trail. Learn about Lowestoft's link to Madam Prunier and her London restaurant. See old photographs and paintings. Discover what Lowestoft was like during wartime. You can even step into a reconstructed ship's wheelhouse. It has a working VHS radio where you can listen to passing ships! There's also a small museum cinema showing old films.
Before you leave, you can visit the museum shop. It sells a variety of goods with a sea theme.
