Grosvenor Museum, Chester
Visit Grosvenor Museum and explore Cheshire's history highlights – from Roman troops and racing trophies to bizarre medicines – over 2,000 years
The Grosvenor Museum, founded in 1885, was partly financed by Hugh Lupus Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster. The building, designed by Lockwood, was built in a free Renaissance style.
The Chester Timeline begins with the construction of Deva, the great Roman fortress, in AD 79. The Roman Stones exhibition’s amazing display of tombstones shows soldiers feasting and trampling enemies underfoot. Models of the fort and Chester’s famous amphitheatre help recreate life under the Roman occupation.
Chester’s gold and silver craftsmen were highly skilled. The Ridgeway Silver Gallery houses rare items from the 16th century onwards including the Delamere Horn, and racing trophies from Chester’s historic Races.
The Natural History Gallery looks at the life of naturalist and author Charles Kingsley; there’s a micrarium for viewing microscope slides, interactive exhibits, fossils, and an Activity Room (open at weekends). Find out how our ancestors lived in the Period House. Gorgeous costumes and bygones show how different classes lived in Number 20 Castle Street, while in the 1900s kitchen, learn why Mary the maid got up at 6am each day to light the fires.
The Victorian Parlour and Schoolroom, Georgian Dining Room and Edwardian Bathroom give fascinating insights into everyday life. Children can dress up, play with traditional toys and explore the ‘Feely’ and ‘Smelly’ boxes.
Last but not least, discover bizarre medicines and remedies in the Kill or Cure? exhibition, which runs until 15 February.
Don’t miss: The traditional Noah’s Ark with hand-painted figures and animals in the 1920s Day Nursery.
Sue Wilkes
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Information
Chester Grosvenor Museum
27 Grosvenor Street, Chester
CH1 2DD
01244 402008
www.grosvenormuseum.co.uk
Open Mon–Sat 10.30am–5pm, Sun 1–4pm.
Free entry
Chester tourist information: 01244 402111
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