Museum of Lancashire facts for kids
The old Sessions House
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| Location | Stanley Street, Preston, England |
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| Type | Museum |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name: The old Sessions House | |
| Designated: | 27 September 1979 |
| Reference #: | 1219103 |
The Museum of Lancashire is a cool place to explore history in Preston, England. It holds many old and interesting items. The museum is located in a very old building called the Sessions House. This building is so important that it's a Grade II listed building. This means it's protected because of its special history and architecture.
Contents
A Look Back: The Museum's Building History
The building where the museum now stands was once a courthouse. Work on this important building started way back in 1825. It was designed by an architect named Thomas Rickman. He used a style called Neo-Classical. This style often uses grand columns and a balanced look, like ancient Greek and Roman buildings.
The building was finished around 1829. Later, in 1849, a new dome was added to the top. But by 1870, this dome became unsafe. So, it was replaced with a special ceiling light. The front of the building has a grand entrance with strong columns.
What You Can See: Museum Collections
The Museum of Lancashire has many different collections. They help tell the story of Lancashire's past. Here are some of the exciting things you can discover:
- Lancashire Through Time: This section shows off ancient objects. You can learn about the very first people who lived in Lancashire.
- Lancashire at Work: Discover how people used to earn a living. See tools and stories from local industries.
- Lancashire at Play: This fun collection celebrates famous entertainers. It includes costumes from Hylda Baker. You can also see items related to Les Dawson, George Formby, and Gracie Fields.
- Lancashire Goes to War: Step into a recreated First World War trench. It helps you imagine what life was like for soldiers.
- Lancashire Law and Order: Learn about the history of justice in the area. This section has items from the old courthouse. It also features stories about the 14th/20th King's Hussars, a famous army regiment.
The Museum's Closure and Future
In November 2015, some sad news came out. Lancashire County Council decided to stop funding five of its museums. This was because of money problems the council faced. The Museum of Lancashire was one of these museums.
The museum closed its doors to the public on September 30, 2016. However, it still welcomed school groups for special visits. For a while, there were talks about a new group taking over the museum. By July 2019, the council approved money to maintain the building. Leaders hoped the museum would reopen to everyone someday.
As of August 2025, the Museum of Lancashire remains closed for general public visits. It still hosts pre-booked school groups. The hope for its full reopening continues.
See also
- Listed buildings in Preston, Lancashire
