What a fascinating museum. We visited on a Thursday which fitted well with a trip to Fakenham... read more
What a fascinating museum. We visited on a Thursday which fitted well with a trip to Fakenham... read more
At last we have managed to visit the Gas Museum having seen it whilst on holiday during a break in... read more
Many have forgotten the years of coal gas and the miners that gave their lives to mine the coal to produce the gas for lighting, heating and cooking. An eye opener to young people who have no concept of the former years
We visited the Museum Of Gas and found it a very interesting way to spend an hour or two. The volunteer staff couldn't have been any more friendly and helpful. They were also very knowledgeable on the gas making process and other topics too.
Who knew just how much went into providing the coal or town gas we all used before natural gas became the fuel of choice in the UK.
A good selection of older gas appliances were on show along with other interesting pieces of equipment.
If required a member of staff will provide a guided tour or you can as we chose to do wander around on your own with the optional guide book available for two pounds.
It would be churlish to find any fault at all especially given the free admission.
Donations can be deposited in the provided boxes, but at no stage mentioned or requested.
These type of museums are vital to keep our heritage alive so a big thank you to the volunteers at Fakenham Museum Of Gas for all their efforts.
We are very fortunate to have this unique museum in Fakenham. If you visit make sure you watch the introductory video first, it puts everything else in context and you can get so much more out of the visit.
We were fortunate that Dr Bridges recently retired Chairman was on hand to show us round and give us the wonderful insight into what it must have been like when in full flow so to speak. His extensive knowledge of the workings and history of the Gasworks made for a fascinating visit. He has also produced some very detailed guides to the Geology and Soils of the area for those with an interest. The exhibitions are interesting and if you are say over 60 years many of the appliances will bring back memories. I would not really suggest that this is a visit for children unless you arm them with the process of obtaining Town Gas from Coal before the visit, then it would be excellent for young Chemistry students.
There are other exhibitions there but we did not have time to visit so will return soon. A suggested donation of £3.50 is in my opinion well worth it. The volunteers have done a wonderful job of preservation and run a museum that they should be proud of.
This place is run by volunteers, its free to get in but of course they rely on donations. You start off by seeing a short video, then you are personally escorted round by very knowledgeable staff. My husband loved the retort which is still in its original building.
This may be a small museum, but it gives a wonderful insight not only into the gas industry but also the history of Fakenham.
The 'gas' section allows you to see all the processes for converting coal to gas, including a gasometer, retort house tar pit etc. In the former offices you will also find fine displays from cookers, and other gas appliances, meters, mantles, heaters, and even irons.
The local history section is also of interest and features when Fakenham was bombed during the war, the railways, print industry, and much, much more.
Entrance is free, but donations are welcome to keep the museum afloat. Opening times are limited as it is run by volunteers.
The Fakenham Gas Museum is the only surviving town gasworks in England and Wales, complete with all equipment used for the manufacture of town gas from coal, doesn't sound too interesting but a visit soon changed that impression.
Access is easiest by motor vehicle although there is no immediate parking available with the nearest car parks in Fakenham, a reasonable walk away.
There is a single unisex toilet, but no refreshments.
The museum is housed in original buildings with original gas producing equipment.
There is a very good collection of gas appliances dating back to the late 19th.
century,
It is a very compact site with everything on level ground, allow 1-2 hours to view.
This museum is worth a passing visit if only to remind ourselves of how we've progressed through technology, however check opening times since it depends on volunteers..