Rutland County Museum
An idyllic, rural destination offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. England’s smallest county is a relatively hidden gem in the East Midlands.
The Riding School
The Riding School, with its roof of Baltic timber, is the main indoor display area of the Museum. Displays illustrate the archaeology and history of Rutland, rural trades and occupations, domestic life and farming. They include the tools and equipment of village tradesmen - the wheelwright and carpenter, the cooper, shoe-maker and the tinsmith. The former local brewery, Ruddles, is also covered, and there is a simulation of a farm kitchen of the turn of the century.
The Courtyard
The museum's Courtyard houses our fine collection of carts.
The centrepiece of the courtyard is the former game larder of Lord Lonsdale, painted in his favourite colour of yellow.
Also on display are other items of agricultural machinery, including threshing machines by Marshalls and Ruston Hornsby.
The Garden
Thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Museum and Oakham in Bloom, supported by individual donations and grants from Community Champions in Rutland and Cory Environmental Trust, the museum garden has been transformed into a beautiful and accessible garden for visitors to enjoy and relax in.
The Poultry Hall
The Poultry Hall was originally owned by the Rutland Agricultural Society, who used it for poultry competitions.
Today it houses an exhibition on Crime and Punishment, which includes the only surviving New Drop gallows in England.
The Poultry Hall also includes displays of rural trades such as dairying and smithing and of farm tools.
Collections
The Museum's original collections were those transferred to it when it was set up by the former Rutland County Council in 1967. These were the rural life collection of Mr E G Bolton from Casterton Secondary Modern School and the mainly archaeological collection from Oakham School.
The Museum has an extensive rural life collection which includes farm tools, tractors, wagons and a wide range of rural tradesmen's tools.
Domestic and social history material is also on display along with a large collection of archaeological material found within Rutland.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Opening Times
Tue - Fri 10.00 - 5.00
Sat 10.00 - 4.00
Sun & Mon - Closed
Bank Holiday Mondays - 10.00 - 4.00
Closed at Christmas, New Year and on Good Friday.
Occasionally not all of our exhibits may be available to view.
If you are making a special visit we strongly advise contacting the museum beforehand to confirm.
Admission to Rutland County Museum is FREE
Access :
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with semi-automatic front doors.
A wheelchair is available to borrow on request.
A Hearing Loop is fitted in the Museum Entrance Gallery and in the Colonel Noel Suite.
Guide Dogs are welcome.
Parking
Car parking ('Pay & Display') is available outside the Museum. Five spaces are reserved specifically for Museum visitors.
Free disabled parking is available directly outside the Museum entrance.
Toilets
Fully accessible toilets are available.
Baby changing facilities are available.
Refreshments
The museum has a seating area with a hot drinks machine.
Photography
Private photography and sketching are permitted in the museum. Please ask to sign the declaration on entry to the museum. Permission to publish can be obtained from the Museum Services Manager.
Object Identification
Please make an appointment before bringing items for identification or donation.
Please Note That Valuations Can Not Be Given.
Shop
The Museum shop sells a selection of gifts and publications. We also stock a comprehensive selection of journals & publications from the Rutland local history groups.
Address :
Rutland County Council D.C.
Rutland County Museum
Catmos Street
OAKHAM
Rutland
LE15 6HW