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Old House Museum Bakewell


Tucked away above the church is The Old House Museum, Bakewell, which is located in probably the oldest residential property to be found in the town.

Parking at the Old House Museum is limited, so it is a good idea to leave your car in the town and walk up through the churchyard, then follow the old black and white sign of 1936 which guides you up the final path.

The impressive building dates back in part to 1534 and has mullioned windows under a stone tiled roof. In the 17th century the earlier house was extended and by the late 18th century was converted into tenements for the workers at Arkwright’s Mill down by the river. By the 19th century it had deteriorated and in 1954 was condemned as unfit for human habitation. Because of the lack of modernisation, the building had retained many early features – in fact over the years as restoration has been carried out, blocked up rooms, concealed fireplaces and details of habitation from centuries before have all been discovered.

The Bakewell & District Historical Society (a registered charity) was then formed to save the house from demolition, and from that date have worked steadfastly to maintain, improve and safeguard it. A team of some seventy volunteers help to clean, polish and preserve the building and its contents, whilst a rota of guides take turns to accompany the visitors on a voyage of discovery around the various rooms and displays.

The Old House Museum is not a boring and stuffy collection of antiques, but a fascinating time warp carefully laid out into rooms with individual themes, captivating displays of local memorabilia, collections and personal treasures, all of which have been donated by friends and visitors from the Peak District and throughout the country.

The Old House Museum has an aroma of history in the old stone walls and timbers, with marvellous uneven stone flagged floors, exposed beams, original cast iron range and a great fireplace.

Of particular interest are the collections of needlework, samplers and patchwork quilts which have been painstakingly worked over countless hours and probably by candlelight, including a collection made by children.

A needlework piece of special interest is a large intricate bedspread to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. This was donated by descendents of the Cross family whose home later became the former Milford Hotel in Bakewell, each family member having embroidered a panel.

Mannequins can be seen wearing period fashions, with intricate stitching and delicate lace work, and there are even dressing-up clothes for visitors to wear and examine.

Many of the old clothes and artefacts in the large bedroom have been provided by Quail and Mellor who were drapers in Bakewell until 1994. Others are from Broughtons, a shop which was trading in the town from 1734 until only a few years ago.

In 1967 the Old House Museum was extended to include part of a building which until then had remained occupied as a dwelling. A garderobe (internal toilet) was discovered which was unusual for such an early building. It had been bricked up and its pit below contained many hidden treasures!

The Bowman room, dedicated to the Quaker family of One Ash Grange and Monyash is very interesting and contains cabinets of fine porcelain, pottery and locally produced salt glazed stoneware.

There are articles and objects in the Old House Museum relating to local businesses and establishments long since gone, many of which bring back nostalgic memories to visitors from the town.

The Lumford Mill corner of the Parlour is fascinating with the bell which had been used to call the workers, and waterwheel. There is also equipment relating to its subsequent era as the DP Battery factory.

In the Buttery are relics of a wheelwrights establishment at Calver, and Briddons forge with its massive bellows. Children are encouraged to pump them and make the furnace glow! There is also a lovely display of hand-made horseshoes to fit from a tiny pony to a large shire.

The cellar contains mementos from the local police station. With the aura of a prison cell, it is not a room to dwell over?

Pitts Cottage is a favourite room with visitors as it is crammed full of domestic paraphernalia, treen and treasures laid out to resemble a mill workers cottage. There are even portraits of mum and dad Pitt on the wall.

The piece de resistance, and a journey back in time for many adults, must surely be the Toy Room. Here is the most breathtaking display of tiny porcelain and china above a cabinet holding a detailed Noah’s Ark with its vast array of animals. It is said this was the only toy that children were allowed to play with on a Sabbath, because of its religious connotations. Of course many of the toys in this room would only have been owned by the rich and privileged.

The model of a schoolteacher is eerily realistic, and with the door closed you do not feel alone! There are also a collection of fragile china dolls, dainty dominoes and tiny toys, which must have been played with by very tiny and caring fingers in the past.

The Old House Museum is well worthy of a visit. It is open 11 am until 4 pm from April 1st until October 31st. The cost of entry is £3 per adult and £1 per child with the under 5’s allowed in free of charge.

 
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