How We Lived Then Museum of Shops

In this "late -Regency" town house, built in 1850, you will see 100 years of Shopping and Social History, Uniquely captured in many old Shops, Rooms and Displays.

To the sounds of horses and carriages stroll through our Victorian-styled streets. Wonder at the Chemist with his many 'cure-all' preparations (and the display of Dr. Bodkin-Adams). Remember 'Five Boys' and when sweets were weighed from jars?

Visitors returning time and time again say this is one of the most comprehensive collections of its kind in the country. Certainly it's one of the oldest established, having been amassed during the past fifty years by Jan and Graham Upton. Their museum now has well over 100,000 exhibits!

"How We Lived Then" is often featured on Radio and in the National Press and was recommended by BBC Television's "The Travel Show".

Exhibits at the Museum include:

The Grocer

Wartime

Seafarer's Inn

Edwardian Kitchen

See the Ironmonger, who sold everything from pot-menders to mouse traps, the Office and Boot Repairers. Gaze at the lace and clothes in the Drapers and Tailors and proud portraits in the Photographers. Hear the sound of street organs or gramophones coming from the Music Shop, or return to your childhood with dolls, trains and games in the Toy Shop (including a Victorian Punch & Judy).

See also the Village Post Office, "Christmas Past", the Jewellers, old Eggcups and a huge collection of Royal souvenirs from before Queen Victoria up to the present.