Relive Georgian life by walking through the doors at the Museum, with our Mad March Hare Affair on 7th March 2015, 10.30am – 4.30pm. Join William Cowper as he re-opens the […]
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Cowper’s Mad March Hare Affair
Museum
‘I was overwhelmed by the amount of collection care that is taking place in the museum with such a small number of staff and the quality of the collection of early rare pieces, it really was very impressive.’ ~Extract taken from: 2014 Collections Care Health Check, Museum Development Service, Oxford. The Cowper and Newton Museum in Olney Buckinghamshire celebrates the work and lives of two famous local residents: William Cowper a celebrated 18th century poet; and John Newton, a prominent slave trade abolitionist who was curate in the local church. Together, Cowper and Newton wrote the ‘Olney Hymns’, including the world’s most popular hymn, ‘Amazing Grace’. The Museum building is original to the Georgian era and is presented as it would have been when William Cowper was its resident. It has a unique garden of outstanding horticultural interest as it is only planted with specimens introduced to England before 1800. Within the Museum’s collections are the literary works and personal effects of William Cowper showing a detailed insight into Georgian life and a fine collection of lace and local history artefacts. The Cowper and Newton Museum is a charitable trust run almost entirely by volunteers.
Winter Closure
Our visitors love coming back! So remember to come along when we reopen on 3rd March.
Enjoy the garden in early spring then revisit throughout the seasons seeing how the Georgians would have seen it. Take time to experience the atmosphere of the house as it would have been in the 1750’s.
Read more » ‘Such a fascinating museum!’ ‘Thank you for keeping our treasures safe for all to enjoy’. ‘We had no idea this amazing house with gorgeous gardens were here and we’ve lived here 30 years! We’ll be back using our Annual Pass!’ ‘So many interesting things to look at and stories to read about – thank you!’
Notice Board
See ‘What’s on’ above
Where all events and exhibitions are listed,
A lovely day was had by all for the Olney Pancake Race, on 17th February
It was lovely to see so many of you visit the museum and experience Georgian life with dressing up, helping cook find her ingredients and lots of creative pancake making. We’d like to thank the volunteers for making it happen on the day and hope that many of you come back to see us again soon.
