Woodhorn (museum) facts for kids
Woodhorn is a fascinating museum located in Ashington, Northumberland, England. It's part of Museums Northumberland. This museum used to be known as Woodhorn Colliery Museum. It shows what life was like for coal mine workers.
You can see original buildings and equipment from the old coal mine here. This includes the two tall structures called headframes. There's also a winding house and other engine houses. You can even see a steam winding engine and the old stables. A building with ventilation equipment is also on site. Plus, there's a blacksmith and joiners shop, and the old office. Many buildings still have their original equipment and mining displays. Others have been turned into museum exhibit areas. Some are even used for weddings and events.
Besides learning about the mine and miners' lives, the museum has a special art collection. These artworks were created by the Ashington Group. The museum also features different exhibits that change over time. These exhibits cover history, art, and science.
Woodhorn Museum's Design
Woodhorn Museum first opened its doors in 1989. It then had a big makeover with a famous architect named Tony Kettle. The museum reopened in October 2006. Today, the buildings are protected because they are so important. The whole area is a special historical site. This is because it's the best-preserved example of a coal mine from the late 1800s to early 1900s in North East England.
Tony Kettle got his idea for the new building, called the Cutter, from huge coal-cutting machines. This modern building sits next to the original mine buildings. The museum's design and its exhibits tell the story of Northumberland. They do this through displays, paintings, temporary shows, and old records.
Woodhorn Railway Fun
.jpg)
The Woodhorn Narrow Gauge Railway is a small train line at Woodhorn. It's located in the Queen Elizabeth II Country Park. This railway uses a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge track.
There are two old locomotives that have been saved here. One is a Hunslet Locomotive. It was built in 1975 to work at Vane Tempest colliery in Seaham. The second is a German Schoma locomotive. Its name is Edward Stanton. This train was used in the factory that made concrete parts for the Channel Tunnel. The railway also has three carriages named Eddie, Harry, and Ken. These carriages and the Schoma locomotive are named after original members of the railway society. The park also has a large lake, about 40-acre (160,000 m2) big. You can also find hiking and biking trails there.
Woodhorn's Past
The original coal mine in the village of Woodhorn started operating in 1894. It closed down in 1981. The Woodhorn Colliery Museum then opened in 1989. It used the old pit buildings for its exhibits. The area where the mine was, called the pit yard, became a protected historical site in 1999.
From 2002 to 2006, new buildings were added to the museum. These new parts now hold the Northumberland County Archives.
