home | see and do | details

Ramsey Rural Museum

Embraced with equal enthusiasm, the Ramsey Rural Museum has become one of the most visited ‘hands-on’ museums in Cambridgeshire. From those humble beginnings, that small band of enthusiasts has grown the embryo Museum from a single usable building, into a range of character buildings, housing a diverse collection of memorabilia covering virtually all aspects of rural life of the Huntingdonshire fenlands. Now, in 2010, the Museum is a major tourist attraction; still run entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers! On this three-acre site will be found a host of fascinating exhibits and displays illustrating rural life, in homes, school, shops, farm and industry. Included in the reconstruction is a fully stocked Victorian village shop with post office, visitors may access this through the cosy tearoom. During the 1980s a large barn was dismantled at Whitehall Farm in nearby Upwood and re-erected on the site to house many remnants and artefacts of the famous Ramsey Abbey - one of the wealthiest and most influential in the country. As legend had it, ‘Ramsey, the Land of Rich and Fee’ from the tithes and dues levied upon all trade passing through. Ramsey Abbey was destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century, and became the summer residence of Richard Cromwell who was nephew of the Earl of Essex – architect of the Dissolution! The colourful history of the Abbey can be discovered at the Museum. This same barn is now used for art and other exhibitions in a busy calendar for visitors. Other buildings contain a cobblers shop from nearby Chatteris complete in all respects and laid out in similar fashion to the original shop. Likewise, the chemist’s shop and dispensary, formerly Whitwell’s of Peterborough, has been faithfully restored. One can see just how shoes were repaired and medicines prepared. Other industrial memories can be seen in the last steam engine funnel and boiler plate rolling mill, presented by Cooks of Yaxley and other examples of the farm machinery they used to make. Outside in the wagon hovels can be found every type of local cart and wagon, garden machinery - lawnmowers and the like through the ages; the fens are famous for growing the finest root crops, so many examples of the harvesting machinery used is on display, including a rare prototype sugar beet harvester. Inside the Trades Room, can be seen a whole range of tools used in rural crafts. These include brick making (with many examples of rare bricks and tiles), thatching, milking, butter and cheese making as well as a fascinating set of veterinary instruments used locally; beekeeping, local bakeries and woodworking. And what is believed to be the longest wooden ladder in Cambridgeshire. There is also an 1892 Savage Steam engine, glass-cased but motorised, so you can see it working! In the Old Stable Block, visitors will see a resurrected Victorian farm kitchen with bread oven and ‘copper’; living room and bedroom – set out as they used to be. Upstairs can be seen an old schoolroom, complete with original desks and scholastic requisites. Also there are many separate displays relating to the war years - when Ramsey was bombed, as well as many items relating to ‘the war effort’, defence of the realm and how Ramsey dealt with the effects of World War 11. Other historical exhibits tell stories about the early fire service and the time when oil was discovered in the town - and much more besides. The Museum has a comprehensive Archive Centre, available to the members of the public for research - and a good source of material for genealogists. Researchers will find photographs, censuses and many other records in the files. A photocopying service is available and a computer with free broadband access is available to support research.
Current projects include the complete dismantling, restoration and rebuilding on the Museum site, of a circa-1900 farm-workers cottage originally from Darlows Farm on the wetlands at Woodwalton Fen. This is a real rescue project by the Museum volunteers, as the Great Fen Project taking over this area, called for demolition of the cottage - so this rescue was considered to be an important and exciting Museum initiative. Repairs are now complete with rebuilding to be expected during 2010 - all by volunteers. Anyone else interested in helping?
The Ramsey Rural Museum opens its doors in Wood Lane, Ramsey, on Thursdays 10am until 5pm; and on Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday from 2pm until 5pm. The Museum usually opens from Easter until the end of September, and also extends opening on every Thursday throughout October. More details can be found at: www.ramseyruralmuseum.co.uk or calling 01487 815 715 or 01733 844293. This year’s 2010 calendar includes: a mammoth 3-day book sale (thousands of good quality, second-hand books at bargain prices) 22-24th March; the ever popular Plant Sale 25th May; an Art Exhibition 12-13th July; Ramsey & District Gardening Club/Annual Flower Show 19th July; the bumper Model Railway Fair 30th August; and a new event, likely to match the best, will be the ‘All Creatures Great & Small’ – a grand day out for pets and vets alike! But the greatest event of all is the Annual Plough Day and Country Fayre on 26th September. There you will see champion heavy horses ploughing against each other and a fine competition of about hundred vintage tractors! Filled with many other attractions, this event attracts many thousands to Ramsey, but don’t worry, we have plenty of parking space at the Museum!