Wymondham Heritage Museum

Wymondham Heritage Museum This delightful museum brings together daily life in Wymondham with great events from the town's past

Wymondham Heritage Museum tells the story of Wymondham, Norfolk, the daily lives of its inhabitants, the town’s heroes and villains and great events from its past. Situated in the Bridewell (which has served as a prison, police station and courthouse) the museum is full of history that can be enjoyed by all the family. Explore Wymondham’s colourful history and learn about its people from Prehistor

ic times, the Iron Age, the Romans and Saxons to Wymondham’s beautiful medieval Abbey. Learn about the Bridewell from its beginning in 1785 as a 'model prison' and see what life would have been like for a prisoner in the recreated dungeon. Follow the story of Robert Kett, leader of Tudor England's most inspiring rebellion. Find out about Wymondham's Great Fire of 1615 and how a new Market Cross was built. Learn about farming and shopping before mechanisation and supermarkets and visit two recreated Wymondham shops - Victorian & 1930s. Hear the story of Wymondham’s brush industry and operate a working brush-making machine. There are also displays on Victorian Wymondham and the two World Wars, DVD films and sound presentations and a variety of things for young visitors to do. Open March to October every day 1-4pm (from 2021)

Run entirely by volunteers who will be pleased to welcome you. No trip to Wymondham is complete without a visit to this remarkable museum.

After a very busy week or so here at Wymondham Heritage Museum, we would like to take the opportunity to use the last da...
11/06/2026

After a very busy week or so here at Wymondham Heritage Museum, we would like to take the opportunity to use the last day of Volunteer Week to pay homage to the incredible Kevin Hurn.

Kevin was the beating heart of Wymondham, a committed and selfless part of the community who volunteered countless years of his time to our town, and to making so many of the amazing changes of recent years possible.

An amazing civic leader for who nothing was too much trouble, Kevin served as mayor of Wymondham during the turbulent covid years, and was a committed and focused councillor who cared more about the past, present, and future of Wymondham than we can possibly put into words.

As chair of Wymondham Heritage Society, even after his tenure as mayor, Kevin continued to be a leading figure in the Wymondham community, a champion of our heritage and a kind, compassionate, and incredibly fair leader who I personally feel so lucky to have served with.

Part of Wymondham Town Team, Kevin also worked hard to continually support the town, and in more recent years took over the organisation of the Christmas Light Switch on and other major events.

Kevin was also a committed supporter of Wymondham community outreach, and of Greening Wymondham projects, and his unending engagement and devotion to these areas of Wymondham life are prime examples of Kevin's generosity of spirit and unfailing loyalty and love for his town.

Kevin was also very involved with Wymondham Lions, and was at the forefront of their involvement with and support of town events.

On top of all of this, Kevin supported and volunteered for countless other causes and charities around town- involved in supporting marginalised communities in Wymondham, The Dementia Support Group, Wymondham in Bloom, and backing projects through Greening Wymondham for paths through Ketts Park Wood and the councils involvement with Norwich Fringe Project. Whenever there was any event or opening at the museum he was always in attendance, and a tireless supporter of all that we did.

Last year, Kevin researched and gave one of the most well attended talks ever given at Wymondham Heritage Society, on the murder of his ancestor Jemima Stimpson. His plan was to adapt this into a book. We hope to still make this happen.
Kevin died in October last year after a short illness, and it was as much a shock for Wymondham, as it was a loss. Kevin was not only a tireless champion of our town, he was a friend. He was the sort of man who made you feel heard and seen, and who took the time to speak to you no matter what else he had going on. He cared about Wymondham and its people, and in every single thing that he did, this was always at the forefront.
We are luckier to have had Kevin than we can possibly say, and in so many ways Wymondham will never understand the impact that he has had or how he has transformed it for the better. He was our supporter, our champion, and our friend, and he is the embodiment of what it means to volunteer, and to care about your community. Happy Volunteers Week Kevin.

A delayed one because of all of the Open Gardens frenzy, but here is Day 6 of Volunteer Week!Visitors to Wymondham might...
08/06/2026

A delayed one because of all of the Open Gardens frenzy, but here is Day 6 of Volunteer Week!

Visitors to Wymondham might be forgiven for wondering if they have stepped back in time, or are disoriented to the point of hallucination when they see a woman in an early nineteenth century cloak and bonnet come sailing down Market Street, and yet it would simply be Georgette Vale, in head to toe burgundy and layers of petticoats on her way to liven up the town.

Never without a shawl, patchwork cloak, or rainbow cardigan that would have made Time Team’s Mick Aston envious, Georgette Vale is part of the heart and soul of Wymondham, and having her as one of our volunteers is as much a joy as it is a continuous surprise.

Having lived in Wymondham for several decades, Georgette is involved in more volunteer initiatives and projects than almost anyone, and every single thing that she does comes with that special slice of Georgette magic. She won’t mind me saying that she’s an eccentric in the deepest most joyous sense of the word- a woman who knows who she is and loves what she loves and moves through life with a conviction of self and determination of spirit that is an inspiring testament to truly knowing yourself, and being fearless in the face of a world that is all too often scared to break out of the norm.

Having volunteered at the museum as a front desk steward for many years, Georgette is one of our resident historians, and anyone who is lucky enough to come into the museum when she is on duty is in for a treat- she is a fountain of knowledge and loves history with a depth that makes us proud to have her as an ambassador for us.

Also sitting on the executive committee of Wymondham Heritage Society, Georgette cares deeply about Wymondham, about the power of community, and about bringing people together, and can often be seen across town doing everything from litter picking to wildlife care. Which brings us on to toads! Georgette also cares passionately about the environment, and has volunteered for many years with Wymondham Toad Watch, ensuring that toads, and other smaller Wymondham residents, can safely cross the roads!

As if this wasn’t enough, Georgette has also volunteered for The Talking Newspaper for many years, is the Wymondham U3A secretary, the secretary of Wymondham Players (as well as a talented actress often seen on stage), and secretary of the Central Hall Committee! She truly never stops, and Wymondham and community are always at the heart of all she does!

And just when you thought that was enough, there are her walking tours. A gifted public speaker and actress and deeply knowledgeable about local history, Georgette can often be seen around town in costume giving walking tours in character as important public figures (for the first year I knew her I thought she was actually called Ethel Gooch), as well as giving talks as many other historical women from the past.

I think the greatest irony really, is that Georgette spends a considerable amount of time in costume as inspirational women from history, when she is in fact quite their equal, and just as inspirational in the rainbow patchwork costume of her own. Perhaps one day someone will wear a knitted kaleidoscope shawl and give Georgette Vale tours around town- I hope I live to see it. Happy Volunteers Week Georgette.

A bit of a back log because or our hectic weekend with Open Gardens (updates to come!) but here is Volunteer Week, Day 5...
07/06/2026

A bit of a back log because or our hectic weekend with Open Gardens (updates to come!) but here is Volunteer Week, Day 5! And we’d like to say a massive thank you to Edna!

Edna has been the absolute star of our tearoom for several years now, and even if you don’t know her, you definitely know her bakes!

Volunteering both in the tearoom itself behind the counter, and baking some of our gorgeous cakes, Edna is responsible for the famous fruit cake that put us on the map in past years, and without her, so much of what has made our tearoom so popular, could have never come to fruit(cake)ion.

On top of this, Edna knits for us too! Making the most wonderful bespoke pieces for special events and for our shop, allowing us to not only expand our offering, but to create a space that truly focuses on community, and individual pieces that are unique to us, what we do, and what we love! She is truly a kind and generous talent, who will offer her help wherever she can, and who takes her own time and resources to bring real piece of art (edible and otherwise) into the museum!

But we aren’t the only ones lucky enough to have Edna volunteering for us! Edna knits and creates for lots of different charities, and truly puts her talent and time fully into her community! She also runs Big C workshops, and is so charity focused that we could hardly find anyone better to represent what volunteers can do for a community.

Always happy to help out at events, and to support, provide, and give back in any way that she can, Edna is always a kind and calming presence, a constantly smiling face, and a warm heart who makes you feel listened to, welcome, and right at home the minute that you step into the tearoom. She is someone you can count on, and she is someone you can trust, and we always know that no matter what, anything she does is going to be done well, and is completely safe in her hands.

Edna, you really are an absolute gold star to us, and we appreciate you so so much. Happy Volunteer Week!

Come in today for a cream tea in-between visiting garden
07/06/2026

Come in today for a cream tea in-between visiting garden

07/06/2026

Wymondham Open Gardens today ! 12pm to 5pm ! Join us for a wonderful day in the sun 🌞

Volunteer Week Day 4 and we’d like to say an absolutely enormous thank you to Chris!Since moving to Wymondham in the Cov...
05/06/2026

Volunteer Week Day 4 and we’d like to say an absolutely enormous thank you to Chris!

Since moving to Wymondham in the Covid years, Chris has become part of the heart of Wymondham, giving hours, weeks, and years of his time to our community, and involved in and supportive of every aspect of Wymondham!

Serving as both the treasurer of Wymondham Heritage Society, and therefore of the museum too, barely a day goes by when Chris isn’t popping into the museum to keep everything on the straight and narrow, and make sure that he’s supporting the team in every way possible! He puts in endless hours behind the scenes making sure that financially the museum and society are in the best health possible, and goes above and beyond constantly to further and better the heritage preservation of Wymondham, and ensure that it is in the best condition possible for future generations. So much of what he does behind the scenes goes unseen and unsung, but without it, we would simply cease to exist.

Serving on the executive committee of Wymondham Heritage Society, Chris also commits significant time and energy to supporting and preserving the town and its heritage, environment, and community, and he is champion of Wymondham first and foremost always. He believes firmly in community, and in the bringing of people together to create a town that endures , inspires, and supports.

On top of this, Chris does duties as a steward on front desk, helps with all events and important set up, supports with maintenance and IT behind the scenes, and of course is our king of the tills!

As if this wasn’t enough, Chris is also treasurer of Wymondham Abbey, and puts in hours, time and energy there that are largely unseen by the public, but that are fundamental to its operations and continued success. And this barely scratches the surface! Also involved in larger volunteer networks around town, Chris can often be seen hanging flags, lights, and anything and everything else whenever there is an event!

If anyone is a testament to the power of volunteers, it is Chris. He is committed to Wymondham 110%, and he goes about all that he does with a softly spoken smile that reassures and warms any space that he goes into, and I can truthfully say that any team he is part of is more lucky to have him than they can possibly know. Wymondham is lucky beyond words that he moved here, and so are we.

Volunteer Week Day 3! A slightly belated one, but for Wednesday this week it only seems fitting to say a special thank y...
04/06/2026

Volunteer Week Day 3! A slightly belated one, but for Wednesday this week it only seems fitting to say a special thank you to the birthday girl, Helen!

Anyone who is a regular to The Bridewell Tearoom, will recognise Helen immediately, for she is the beating heart of it, and responsible for so much of the joy and team spirit that makes it possible and keeps it going!

Having volunteered in the tearoom for several years, Helen became tearoom manager in 2022, and since has had an incredible and transformative impact on the tearoom and the museum more broadly. She is the joyous drive and upbeat centre of our team, and the tearoom could not have a better captain at the helm!

A wonderful friend as well as a colleague and leader, Helen is a constant source of support and warmth, and she is single handedly responsible for the incredible transformation the tearoom has seen in recent years.

Not only does she manage and run the tearoom, and act as fantastic leader of our team, Helen also does shifts in both the tearoom and at front desk in the museum! On top of this she is on the Museum Management Team, co-runs the museum shop, is part of the events and learning teams, and is constantly working behind the scenes to decorate, tidy, prep, organise, cut, stick- anything and everything we could need!

As if she wasn’t busy enough, she also works at the Tourist Information Centre in town, and volunteers countless hours as a Brown Owl at the Norwich branch of Brownies!

Helen is truly a friend anyone would be lucky to have, and she always puts others, and her community, first. She works tirelessly, and always with the biggest smile and most upbeat attitude. We truly are so lucky to have her, and I can say with total honesty that she makes the museum a happier and warmer place!

Helen, thank you! And we hope you enjoyed your birthday cake! 🎂

With Open Gardens this weekend getting closer we are keeping everything crossed for better weather.But rain or shine we ...
03/06/2026

With Open Gardens this weekend getting closer we are keeping everything crossed for better weather.

But rain or shine we will have lots going on at the museum either way. As well as our lovely gardens we will have a book stall and a crafts and curiosities stall.

Of course the tearoom is serving their popular cream teas, weather permitting you can enjoy them outside. If not we will have extra tables upstairs available.

Tickets for Open Gardens are just £5 each for adults and can be purchsed before the weekend from us, Reeves, Wymondham Garden Centre and Wymondham Abbey shop.
They will also be available from the gardens at the weekend too if you want to wait.

The ticket also gives you one free entry to the museum before the end of the season.

We look forward to seeing you as always.

Look out for the yellow balloons - tickets show the full map .

🌿🪻🌷🌳🌹🌺🌼🪻🌿

Sorry to say that due to sickness the Bridewell Tearoom is CLOSED todayWe will be open again tomorrow
03/06/2026

Sorry to say that due to sickness the Bridewell Tearoom is CLOSED today
We will be open again tomorrow

Day two of Volunteer Week 2026, and today we’d like to say a special, and probably long overdue, thank you to the irrepl...
02/06/2026

Day two of Volunteer Week 2026, and today we’d like to say a special, and probably long overdue, thank you to the irreplaceable Janis Raynsford.

Janis is almost as synonymous with Wymondham as the Cross, and over the course of more than four decades, has given more to the town than many could ever imagine.

Involved with the museum when it was still located in a small building on Middleton St back in the 1980s, Janis has always been, and continues to be, a fierce and dedicated champion of local heritage. She was instrumental in the creation of our now famous brush industry exhibition room, along with her late partner Gwilym, and it would be almost impossible to find a single person who knows more about the history of brushmaking than Janis. And in truth, this goes for the rest of the museum too. Artefacts that haven’t been seen for decades, Janis can immediately remember and talk about at length, and her knowledge of our collections and curational history are unmatched.

She is the longest serving volunteer by a long way- and as the years have passed, and things have adapted and changed, Janis has continued to champion the museum, and the preservation of our heritage. And perhaps this is one of the reasons that Janis is both so special and so impressive- she meets change head on, welcomes the growth and development of the museum, and is committed to moving forwards with community first always.

Having served on the executive committee of Wymondham Heritage Society for more years than I am sure she would like us to mention, Janis hasn’t just been instrumental in the museum, but in Wymondham’s heritage more generally. I have seen first hand her unrivalled commitment and tenacity, and her selfless drive to always put this town, and all that it has been and might be, first. So many day to day things in our town, we owe to Janis.

We couldn’t possibly talk about Janis however, without mentioning gardening. Never without a spade or trowel in her hand or hedge hanging out of her car, Janis has cared for the museum garden, as well as the gardens around town, for decades, and so much of what makes our town beautiful we owe to Janis.

Today Janis still sits on the executive committee of the Heritage Society, as well as the Museum Management Team, and despite the passing years, she continues to be a testament to the town. Many of you won’t know Janis, for she has spent almost every minute of her time over the last 40 years or so working behind the scenes. So as I close here, I will fill you in on what you have been missing. Janis, I have come to realise, is a woman built from a deep committed fire to make the world better, and to make our town better. She is a fierce protector of the greater good, and she moves through the world with a dedication and resounding diligence that is nothing short of inspiring. Janis, we are so lucky to have you, happy Volunteers Day.

Address

10 The Bridewell, Norwich Road
Wymondham
NR180NS

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 4pm
Tuesday 1pm - 4pm
Wednesday 1pm - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

01953 600205

Website

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