Strumpshaw Hall Steam Museum facts for kids
The Strumpshaw Hall Steam Museum is a special place in Strumpshaw, Norfolk, England. It's like a giant playground for old machines! Here, you can see amazing traction engines, steam rollers, and other vehicles that run on steam power. These powerful machines are often started up on special days and on the last Sunday of each month, from April to October.
The museum is located near Strumpshaw Hall, an old and important building. Close by, you can also find the Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, which is a great place for nature lovers.
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Strumpshaw Hall: A Historic Home
The main house, Strumpshaw Hall, was built a long time ago in 1835 by a person named Thomas Tuck. It's a two-story building made of red bricks. It has a classic design with large windows and a sloped roof. Later, during the Victorian era, more parts were added to the house. Because of its age and special design, it was officially recognized as a Grade II listed building in 1979. This means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected.
The Museum's Story: How It Began
The amazing collection of steam engines at Strumpshaw Hall started with one person, Wesley Key. He loved these machines and began collecting them privately. His family still owns the hall and most of the exhibits today.
Wesley Key eventually decided to share his collection with everyone. He started by having open days, and later it became a full museum. The museum still welcomes visitors from April to October each year. Today, Wesley's grandson, Jimmy Key, is the proud owner of the museum.
What You Can See at the Museum
The main part of the museum is inside a large area that used to be a farm. It has been updated to hold all the incredible machines. Inside, you'll find many different types of engines. Some are mobile, meaning they can move around, like the big steam engines. Others are stationary, used for industrial or farm work.
Most of these machines run on steam, but there are also some early engines that use internal combustion (like car engines). The museum also has a fun fairground and theatre collection. This includes a very large and special musical instrument called a Christie Wonder Organ.
Some of the unique machines you can see include:
- The very last working Garrett type of traction engine.
- A working steam wagon, which is like an old-fashioned truck powered by steam.
- A ploughing traction engine with a threshing machine, used for farming.
- An old plough that works with the ploughing engine.
Outdoor Adventures and Rides
Outside the museum, there's even more to explore!
- Narrow Gauge Railway: There's a small railway with a train that looks like a steam engine but is actually powered by diesel. It pulls a simple coach and runs on most open days.
- Fairground Rides: The farm next to the museum often has fun fairground rides for visitors to enjoy.
- Rare Birds: You can also see a collection of rare birds on the farm.
The Strumpshaw Steam Rally
Every year, the museum grounds host a big event called the Strumpshaw Steam Rally. It happens during the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. This is a huge celebration of steam power!
Many of the museum's own engines are fired up and running. About 50 other steam engines from different places also come to visit. Plus, there are around 30 miniature steam engines, which are smaller versions of the big ones. The rally also features many old and classic tractors and commercial vehicles. There's even a daily parade where you can see all these amazing machines in action!
Machines You Might See
The museum has machines from many different makers. Here are some of the famous companies whose machines are part of the collection:
- Aveling and Porter – Known for steam rollers and 'tractors'.
- Burrell – Made traction engines, including the "Princess Royal" from 1921.
- Foden – Built steam wagons.
- John Fowler & Co. – Famous for their powerful ploughing engines.
- Garrett – Another maker of traction engines.
- Marshall, Sons & Co. – Produced many traction engines and steam rollers.
- Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies – Known for portable engines.
- Ruston Proctor – Also made traction engines.
- Wallis & Steevens – Another company that built traction engines.
Vintage Tractors
The museum also has a collection of old tractors, including those from:
- David Brown
- Field Marshall
- International Harvester
Other Engines
- Horizontal Engines: Like those made by Robey & Co..
- Beam Engine: A very large beam engine, saved from a local water works, is being restored.
- Rail Locomotive: A small 16-inch gauge steam locomotive from Cagney Bros..
See also
- List of steam fairs
