Westbury Manor Museum facts for kids

Westbury Manor Museum was a special place in Fareham, Hampshire, England. It was a museum right in the middle of town. The museum showed many interesting things about local history. It even had a small café and a gift shop for visitors.

The museum building itself was very old. It was built in the 1700s. This building is so important that it is a Grade II* listed building. This means it has special historical value. Behind the building were beautiful gardens designed in the Victorian style.

What Was Inside the Museum?

Westbury Manor Museum had many cool exhibits. These exhibits taught visitors about the history of Fareham. One interesting display showed how Fareham red bricks were used. These bricks were even used to build parts of the famous Royal Albert Hall! The museum also had a small place to get coffee and a shop to buy souvenirs.

The Building's History

The building that became Westbury Manor Museum has a long past. Before it was a museum, it was used for local government. From 1934 to 1976, it was the main office for the Fareham Urban District. An Urban District was a type of local council that managed towns.

The museum officially opened its doors in 1990. It became a popular spot for people to learn about the area.

Who Managed the Museum?

For many years, the museum was managed by local councils. In 2014, something changed. The management of Westbury Manor Museum moved to a group called Hampshire Cultural Trust. This group took over many museums from Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council. They help run cultural places across the county.

The Museum's Closure

Westbury Manor Museum welcomed visitors for many years. However, the museum closed its doors to the public on December 31, 2024. This meant it was no longer open for people to visit.

External links

• A brief history of Westbury Manor