Located in the heart of Winchcombe lies a museum that showcases the history and heritage of one of the Cotwolds’ most well-known towns.

The museum, located on the upper floor in the Victorian Old Town Hall building, has two themes. The folk collection showcases the history and heritage of the ancient town of Winchcombe and its people with displays, historic items and much local and family history information. The Police Collection shows British and International uniforms, helmets, badges, truncheons and other equipment such as weapons.

Anne Crowe, curator of the museum, is proud to showcase Winchcombe’s history. “We’re really lucky to have such a vast collection of artefacts and historical items of real significance,” said Anne. “Our beautiful collection of local pottery proves to be very popular with our visitors. The collection of police relics includes uniforms from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Italy, New Zealand, Germany, USA, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and the former USSR. It’s a unique collection, one that proves to be very popular with visitors, especially ones who have family members who serve in the police force,” she added.

Anne has written several books on Winchcombe, with any money raised from sales going towards the upkeep of the museum. Continued Anne: “My book ‘Discover Winchcombe’ tells the story of this wonderful ancient historic town and the people who have lived here and had a big impact on the local area. I moved into Winchcombe nearly six years ago and joined the museum as a volunteer very soon after that. I’ve been the curator of the museum for four years now.

“We’re always keen to welcome new visitors to the museum. During the winter we close the museum and arrange a series of talks about local history which are proving very popular. It’s great to see so many local people show an interest in the history and heritage of the town.”