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Knutsford Heritage Centre

Opening Times

Summer - (April - September)
Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 2pm - 5pm
Closed Monday
Open Bank Holiday Mondays 2pm - 5pm

Winter - (October - March)
Tuesday to Saturday 11am - 4pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
Open Bank Holiday Mondays 2pm - 5pm

Welcome to Knutsford Heritage Centre

Knutsford Heritage Centre

Welcome to Knutsford Heritage Centre, set in the heart of the town in a reconstructed 17th century timber framed building on King Street.

There’s a lot to explore with two galleries, two beautifully maintained gardens and a well-stocked gift shop. We have an exciting changing exhibition programme, demonstrations, walks, talks and activities.

This is also the home of the Knutsford Millennium Tapestry. Set in three distinct panels, the remarkable tapestry is more than 13 metres long and was created by over 3,000 local residents to celebrate Knutsford in the millennium year.

Take a look at our calendar of events with something for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

The Inside Story of Knutsford Courthouse and Gaol Revealed

The history of Knutsford Prison, Session’s Court House and Governor’s House are presented in an exhibition at Knutsford Heritage Centre by Val Bryant, who has researched the history of the buildings and their occupants. Val comments “The Exhibition has been a two year long research project, which has been fascinating to do.

“The exhibition charts the history of the Manor Court and Quarter Sessions in Knutsford, and presents a range of photographs from the Sessions Court House, before it was taken over by Flat Cap Hotel Group.”

“In an interesting presentation on Knutsford Gaol, visitors will be able to discover the timeline of the gaol, including its grand opening in 1820.The Gaol layout will be portrayed together with a description of prison life, and the weekly routine of prisoners, not to mention some grisly executions.”

“Knutsford Gaol closed its doors to prisoners in 1915, and was taken over by the War Office for Military Offenders. During WWI the prison housed conscientious objectors, who for one reason or another refused to “take up arms”.”

“After the Easter 1916 uprising in Dublin those arrested were dispersed to various jails throughout England, including almost 600 dissidents sent to Knutsford during May and June. A company of German prisoners were also housed in “A” block, bringing the gaol somewhere near to full capacity.”

“The Governor’s House is featured in the exhibition together with the prison warder’s accommodation in County Terrace and St. John’s Avenue.
Val added: “The exhibition moves on to the post war period, when the prison building was converted to an Ordination Test School to provide theological training for some 320 students.”

“Bringing us up to the current day, the exhibition concludes with the redevelopment of the building, by Flat Cap Hotels, into The Courthouse Hotel that we see today.”

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The Inside Story exhibition encapsulates a sub-exhibition commemorating Lt. Douglas Marshall Rigby, a Knutsford WW1 soldier, who did not come home from the Great War. The exhibition will tell the story of how Douglas’s family supported him during the war, and grieved after his death”

 

Val Bryant added “It was a pleasure to work alongside Richard Elsner, Lt Rigby’s great nephew, and his son Thomas, on their family history”

The Inside Story exhibition runs up until Saturday 22nd December 2018

Lt. Douglas Marshall Rigby – A Knutsford WW1 soldier who did not come home.

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Knutsford Heritage Centre

Join our ‘Turn Up & Go’ Walking Tours every Friday at 2pm

Will commence again in the Summer of 2019

Every Friday at 2pm, from early June to the end of October, just turn up at the Heritage Centre, pay £5 and enjoy an hour long guided walk around Knutsford and explore some of the more hidden and unusual attractions. We have several themed walks, all led by our friendly, knowledgeable tour guides. For groups of more than 10 people we ask you to book in advance by contacting the centre (T: 01565 650506)….

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Upcoming Events
Wed 21

The Inside Story of Knutsford Courthouse and Gaol Revealed

October 2 - December 16
Sat 01

A Little Christmas Trail for Families

Saturday, December 1, 2018 - Wednesday, January 2, 2019

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Knutsford Heritage Centre opened in 1989 and is run entirely by Volunteers. It collects , displays and interprets the history of Knutsford for the benefit of both local people and visitors.

CONTACT

90A King Street, Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6ED

Tel: 01565 650506
Email: info@knutsfordheritage.co.uk

Copyright 2016 by Knutsford Heritage Centre | Registered Charity No. 1076917
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