Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History

Welcome To Our Museum

Visit the museum Wednesdays to Saturdays throughout the summer holidays and take part in our games and quizzes. We've got wordsearches, mystery photo quizzes and even a 'Name the Goats' competition.

Summer fun for all ages!

Phone 01328 851166 for more details.

The Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History is the only surviving town gasworks in England and Wales, complete with all equipment used for the manufacture of gas from coal: retorts, condenser, purifiers, meter and gasholder.

The museum is housed in the town’s former gasworks, which ceased production of gas from the heating of coal in 1965 following the discovery of Natural Gas in the North Sea.

The gas works is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, a prestigious and rare distinction for an industrial site and, as such, is a National Treasure, providing an insight into our cultural, social and industrial heritage with displays of lighting, heating, cooking and domestic equipment.

The gas works buildings and the museum collection held within them allow a glimpse into the past where one man, William Murdoch changed everyday living, bringing light to the darkest corners of our country.

The museum is run entirely by volunteers, members of the Friends of the museum.

HISTORY

The gas works produced town gas from 1846 to 1965. After closure and the demolition of all other gas works in the country, Fakenham’s works was the only remaining.

The Norfolk Industrial Archeological Society together with Norfolk Historic Buildings trusts arranged for the works to be leased and converted into a museum.

It was then opened in 1987 by the Duke of Gloucester.

ADMISSION

Admission is FREE but donations are welcome to:-

Fakenham Town Gas Works Museum Trust (The) (1996354)

Hempton Road

Fakenham

Norfolk

NR21 7LA

Call: 01328 851166 24hrs Answering Machine

Alternatively Phone: 01328 863150 (Museum general enquiries)

Trust Chairman Dr E M Bridges

Phone: 01328 863507 (Museum group visit enquiries)

E-mail: enquiries@fakenhamgasmuseum.com

WE ARE A REGISTERED CHARITY IN THE UK

Registration number: 294371

OUR FRIENDS

At Fakenham Gas of Local History Museum, we have just a handful of volunteer staff who form the working committee, making sure that the museum functions. This working committee is backed up by a faithful group of ‘Friends’ who provide additional help during longer opening hours and special events. The Board of Trustees provides direction and takes responsible decisions for the long-term future of the museum.

To contact Friends of the museum;

Chairman: Mr D Beare (01328) 855237

E-mail: dbeare@fakenhamgasmuseum.com

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Further details from: The Curator 01328 863507

LOCATION

HOW TO FIND US!!!

From the South: M11, A11, A1065

From the West: A47, A1065

From the North: A1, A17, A148, A1065

From the East: A47, A140, A1067, A148, A1065

All approaches from the South into Fakenham. Follow A1065 into town past Jewson the builders merchants (on your left) 200 metres on your right you will find the Museum just before the bridge.

Turn right into Industrial Area and (bear left) in front of Wensum Engineering and Fakenham Tyres (on your left) then right into Aldiss Community car park.

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