Fakenham - Gas Museum & Local History - History Museums on Waymarking.com

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, 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.

Theme: Cultural and local History Hours of Operation: the entrance is free but a donation is welcolme Opening Times 2009 Thursdays and Saturdays 4 June to 26 Sept inclusive and Bank Holiday Mondays 13 April, 4 and 25 May, 31 August 10.30am to 15.30pm Other Thursdays throughout year 10.30am to 13.00pm Museum Size: Small Relevant Web Site: [Web Link] Street Address: Not listed Food Court: Not Listed Gift Shop: Not Listed Cost: Not Listed

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