A Visit to Chertsey Museum
First opened to the public in 1965 in the Old Town Hall, the Museum is located in the Cedars which is a Grade II Regency town house with garden. After a major building project it reopened in 2003 following the construction of a new reception area and education room as well as the refurbishment of the existing building. It explores the history of the area through hands-on exhibits and its varied collection.
Five galleries are available for visitors to explore along with additional facilities for education and research. On the ground floor is the Local History Gallery currently featuring the history of Chertsey Abbey which was once immensely wealthy but was destroyed by Henry VIII in 1537. Also here are Olive Matthews Fashion and Accessories Galleries, the current exhibition in the former being "The Fabric of Fashion". The accessories Gallery shows various examples ranging from the Tudor period to the 1970s. The fourth gallery is the Discovery Zone where children of all ages can enjoy the hands-on interactives that bring the past to life. On the first floor is the Temporary Exhibition Gallery which shows changing exhibitions linked to the local history. The Museum works closely with the local community with events and activities to suit all ages and tastes. Holiday activities for children aged 6-12 years are provided and Museum visits, classroom talks and loan boxes are available to local schools.
Touring the Galleries
Devoted to Local History it is recorded here that the Abbey of St Peter was founded in AD 666 and a new monastic house built on the site two and a half centuries later. The Abbey was at its pinnacle of its prosperity in the 14th century and encompassed a variety of activities including well-stocked fish ponds, some of which survive today. A 13th century lime kiln produced some of the finest decorative floor tiles of the medieval period. After the Dissolution in 1537 materials were quarried for Hampton Court Palace and also for Oatlands Palace which Henry VIII built for Ann of Cleves.
Most of the collection of costumes at Chertsey Museum come from the collection of Olive Matthews 
which together with accessories, etc, was built up over 40 years. It comprises women's and men's items, many of them dating from 1740-1850. The 18th century dresses are all based on a traditional English type called the 'robe a L' Anglaise'. Hats, shoes, gloves, etc, are also shown. The men's costumes of this period include a coat, waistcoat and breeches of copper and yellow satin with silk and bead embroidery, lined with white satin. The whole array of costumes up to the present day is shown in a variety of changing exhibitions. Currently, this is devoted to exploring key trends in colour, fabric and decorative technique in a range of costumes. The next display opening in October, will explore the changes in fashionable dress as it evolved during the 20th century. Particularly notable will be a cream satin evening gown dated c. 1900 - the epitome of Edwardian elegance. Next to the Fashion Gallery is the Accessories Gallery which includes a 'Grand Tour' fan featuring three erupting volcanoes, a dazzling range of 18th century shoe buckles, and bags, parasols, lace, jewellery, etc, up to the 20th century.
The fourth gallery, the Discovery Zone, contains interactive exhibits. Pictures can come alive by spinning the zoetrope; or lift the lid of a musical toy chest and hear songs popular over 100 years ago.
Also see the extensive collection of ceramic vases and dishes from ancient Greece. There are also Greek ceramic interactives. The final room is the Temporary Exhibition Gallery which displays changing exhibitions linked to the local history and the collections, as well as a Research Room which offers a good starting off point to discover more about the local area.
It is anticipated that subject to agreement by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) a truly local history gallery will be developed for opening in summer 2006 that would replace the existing exhibition dedicated to Chertsey Abbey. It would tell the story of the whole borough from prehistoric times up to the present day, with the story of the Abbey told in full and the famous tiles and Viking sword still in pride of place. This will be called the Runnymede Room.
FREE ADMISSION. MUSEUM OPENING HOURS:
Tuesday - Friday - 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Saturday- 11am - 4pm
Sunday & Monday - Closed
Chertsey Museum,
The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8AT
Tel: 01932565764
Fax: 01932571118