Wallingford Museum facts for kids
Wallingford Museum is a super interesting place in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, where you can explore the town's past! It's located in a cool old building called a Tudor house, right on High Street. This museum is packed with amazing collections that tell the story of Wallingford.
You can discover everything from ancient finds to tales of Wallingford Castle. The museum also shows what life was like in Wallingford during the Middle Ages and the Victorian period. Plus, there's a free audio tour to guide you through all the exhibits!
Discover Wallingford's Past
Wallingford Museum is dedicated to sharing the rich history of its local area. It brings the past to life through various displays and artifacts. You'll learn about the people, events, and changes that shaped Wallingford over many centuries.
What You Can See
The museum has lots of different things to explore. You can see items from early times, learn about a famous castle, and imagine life long ago. It’s a great way to connect with history right where it happened.
Ancient Discoveries: Archaeology
One exciting part of the museum is its archaeology collection. This section shows objects found deep underground. These finds help us understand how people lived in Wallingford thousands of years ago. You might see old tools, pottery, or even ancient jewelry!
Mighty Wallingford Castle
A big part of Wallingford's history is its castle. Wallingford Castle was once one of England's most important castles. It was built a long, long time ago and played a key role in many historical events. The museum helps you imagine what this powerful castle looked like and why it was so important.
Life in Medieval Times
Step back in time to the Middle Ages! The museum shows what life was like for people in Wallingford during this period. You can learn about their daily routines, their homes, and how the town grew around the castle. It's a fascinating look at a very different world.
Victorian Era Changes
The museum also covers the Victorian period, which was a time of big changes. You'll see how Wallingford transformed with new inventions and ways of living. Discover what schools were like, what people wore, and how the town developed during Queen Victoria's reign.
The Museum Building Itself
The building where Wallingford Museum is located is a piece of history too! It's a special kind of house that was built a long time ago. Its unique design tells a story of how buildings were made centuries ago.
A Historic House
The museum is housed in a timber-framed house from the mid-1500s. This means its main structure is made of strong wooden beams. Later, in the 1600s, a new front, or façade, was added using flint stones. It's cool to see how the building changed over time!
Facing the Kinecroft
The museum building looks out onto a large open space called the Kinecroft. This area is very important historically. On two sides, the Kinecroft is bordered by ancient defenses. These were built in the 9th century by the Anglo-Saxons.
Anglo-Saxon Defenses: The Burh
These old defenses are part of what's called an Anglo-Saxon burh. A burh was a fortified town or settlement built to protect people from attacks. Wallingford was an important burh, and these defenses show how people kept safe in ancient times.
How the Museum Works
Wallingford Museum is a special place because of the people who make it run. It's a community effort that helps keep history alive for everyone.
Run by Volunteers
Did you know that the museum is run entirely by volunteers? These are people who give their time and effort because they love history and want to share it with others. They help with everything from guiding tours to setting up exhibits. It's amazing what they do!
A Charitable Organization
Wallingford Museum is also an independent charitable company. This means it's a non-profit organization. It relies on support from visitors and donations to keep its doors open and continue sharing Wallingford's incredible history.
