What to see in the Museum
Click on any picture below to see it in more detail.
Thirsk Museum has eight rooms full of exhibits.
Most are on open display so you can get really close. We can only highlight
a few of the exhibits here - we hope you’ll come and see the rest for yourself.
The Thomas Lord Room
Here you’ll find cricketing memorabilia including a portrait of
Thomas Lord presented by the MCC, a copy
of his only known surviving signature, and a number of items connected with Yorkshire
cricket and Yorkshire players. For non-cricket fans there are maps, drawings and
photographs tracing the changes in Thirsk over the last 200 years, together with a fine
collection of sticks and riding crops.
The Herriot Room
Evoking the farming life of the 1930s and 1940s, this room contains a
collection of agricultural and dairy tools,
and a display of the blacksmith’s craft. A series of illustrative panels
traces the development of agriculture in the Vale of Mowbray and explains the
processes of butter- and cheese-making.
The Cottage Kitchen
With its stone sink, cast-iron range and linen hanging above to air,
this is where the 19th century housewife spent her time washing, cleaning
and cooking. The kitchen has a variety of household utensils once in daily
use, including an early washing machine and a heavy mangle.
High up on the wall (so you can’t sit on it!) is the infamous
Busby Stoop Chair.
The First Floor Display Area
Just feel the nostalgia! There are collections of toys and childhood possessions,
items reflecting the experiences of two World Wars, and documented photographs
telling the lives and fortunes of families from the area. A special exhibition follows
the rise and fall of Bamlett’s, the agricultural engineering firm synonymous
with Thirsk for over a century. Some displays here are temporary -
we change them regularly to reflect topical themes or recent anniversaries.
The Reynolds Room
See ceramics, coins, jewellery and tools found by archaeologists around
Thirsk, many from Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Mediaeval times. We also have
some special exhibits which we normally keep hidden from view. What are
they? Click here to find out! This room is named after Bernard
Reynolds who converted the room for the Museum’s use.
The Shops
Here’s your chance to do some old-fashioned window shopping! A series of shop
fronts convey the atmosphere of some of the well-known family businesses that once
served the people of Thirsk. There’s a striking panorama of the Market Place
as it was in 1969, the Thirsk Banner - a fabric montage of over 60
photographs, “The Undercover Story” - lingerie of the 1920s and 30s
and “Jolly Ripping Bodices” - bodices and blouses of
Victorian and Edwardian times.
The Edwardian Sitting Room
Step back in time to the beginning of the 20th century. An invalid
lady’s wheelchair can be seen by the fireside, surrounded by cabinets of
fine china, intricate needlework and other treasures. Her furniture,
sewing machine, harmonium, pictures, books and curios complete
the scene.
The Victorian Bedroom
Peep into the bedroom - don’t be shy! A traditional iron and brass
bed is covered by a patchwork bedspread originally from a maid's bedroom in
Thirsk Hall. Freshly laundered undergarments
are laid out ready to wear, while the gentle ticking of the grandfather
clock leaves the quiet of the room undisturbed.
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