Knutsford Heritage Centre

The Heritage Centre

Knutsford Heritage Centre is housed in a reconstructed 17th century timber framed building previously known as Musgrave's Yard. Evidence of its previous existence as a tinsmith, ironmonger and brazier is clear, with a forge, anvil and an original set of bellows now preserved all on display.

Once no longer able to run as an ironmonger's, the site had sadly been left to ruin over the years but in 1988, The Groundwork Trust invested £100,000 to renovate and develop the area into what is now The Heritage Centre.

Working as an independent charity, The Heritage Centre continues to grow and develop, always aiming to 'protect, present and promote Knutsford's rich and diverse heritage for the benefit of its residents and visitors.'

Admission to the Centre is FREE and it is open all year round.
Our email address is: info@knutsfordheritage.co.uk

Gardens

Knutsford Heritage Centre also, boasts two courtyard gardens beautifully maintained by a team of volunteers.

The front yard, full of colourful pots and baskets, greets visitors to the centre and a walled cottage garden between the two buildings has an array of Old English plants, herbs and flowers and is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the day.

During the summer seasons, visitors may purchase cuttings, seeds and plants from our gardens.

Millennium Tapestry & Exhibition Gallery

A separate building consisting of the Tapestry and Exhibition Galleries may be found at the end of the garden.

The Tapestry Gallery was purpose-built to house the Knutsford Millennium Tapestry. Part of an Old Tobacco Mill (now Cranford Carpets), this gallery is also used as a venue for talks, lectures and workshops.

The Exhibition Gallery hosts regularly changing exhibitions througout the year which vary from local artwork to regional heritage displays. You may view current and upcoming Exhibition Listings here.

The galleries are also available for hire; please call 01565 650506 to find out more.

Millennium Tapestry 'Stitch in Time' Appeal

Earlier this year it was discovered that the Millennium Tapestry had suffered infestation by the carpet beetle, anthrenus verrbasci, commonly known as the 'woolly bear'. To remedy this situation the tapestry is currently away at Lancashire Conservation Studios and has been placed in a special industrial freezer for 2-3 weeks at minus 30 degrees celcius to ensure all traces of the infestation have been destroyed.

On its return the tapestry needlework will be repaired. The three tapestries will then need to have new state of the art frames built to modern museum standards, that are completely sealed to prevent further infestation. This will preserve the tapestry for future generations to enjoy. To achieve this we need to raise at least £10,000 and probably signifcantly more. The Heritage Centre has launched a 'Stitch In Time' Appeal. We are appealing to Knutsford residents and businesses based in the town and surrounding areas for donations large or small to achieve this objective. Donations can be made at Knutsford Heritage Centre. Cheques should be made payable to Knutsford Heritage Centre.

Gift Shop

The Centre has a well-stocked gift shop with Tapestry merchandise, books on local heritage, postcards and books. We also provide a useful selection of tourist information and leaflets.