Rutland County Museum facts for kids
The Rutland County Museum is a cool place to visit in Oakham, Rutland. It's located in an old building that used to be a riding school for cavalry soldiers way back in 1794. The museum first opened its doors in 1969.
Inside, you'll find lots of interesting things about local life. They show how people lived and worked in the countryside, especially with farming. You can also see items from the past and learn about history and archaeology. The museum often has special temporary exhibits too, so there's always something new to discover. The best part? It's completely free to get in!
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Discovering Rutland's Past
The museum has grown a lot since it started. It first got its collections from the old Rutland County Council in 1967. These included items about country life and old archaeological finds. Today, the museum has a huge collection. You can see farm tools, old tractors, wagons, and tools from different trades. There are also items that show what home life was like long ago. Plus, you'll find many ancient objects found around Rutland.
The Story of the New Drop Gallows
One of the most unique items at the museum is the New Drop Gallows. It's believed to be the only one of its kind left in the UK. This gallows was portable, meaning it could be moved. It was set up outside Oakham Gaol (an old prison) when it was needed. The gallows was first used in 1813. Its design was not very good, as the drop was too short.
An Ancient Wagon
The museum also has one of the oldest surviving box wagons in the country. This wagon was built in Lincolnshire between 1755 and 1795. It was used on a farm in Preston, Rutland. What makes it special are its wooden axles, which are quite rare for a wagon of its age.
The Mysterious Brooke Reliquary
Among the smaller treasures is the Brooke Reliquary. This is a tiny, beautiful box from the 13th century. It was made in Limoges, France. People believe it once held special items belonging to a saint. The reliquary was found around 1805. It had been hidden for many years at the site of Brooke Priory. Workers found it while doing building work in the cellar of Priory House. The reliquary is decorated with colorful enamel work. It shows images of Christ and two apostles or saints. The saint's robes were once covered in gold, but this has worn away over time.
Exploring Local History Resources
The museum also has a special section for local studies. This collection moved from Oakham Library to the museum in 2010. It's a great place to find information about Rutland and its nearby villages.
You can look at old census records for Rutland. There are also many photos of local villages. The collection includes the Jack Hart postcard collection and old maps of Rutland. You can even read past editions of local newspapers. The museum also offers access to ancestry.co.uk (a special library version). Plus, there are many reference books to help you learn more about the area.
