There’s something quite special about hearing history told by someone who truly knows and loves it—and that’s exactly what we experienced when we visited the re-opening of Market Drayton Museum on Wednesday 1st April 2026.
As we stepped inside for a quick look around, Tamasin welcomed us and began to share the story of the town in a way that made it feel alive. This isn’t just a museum filled with objects—it’s a journey through time, carefully reimagined with new displays, fresh perspectives, and stories that many people won’t have seen or heard before.
Watch the Video Tour
“Where we are now will one day be history too,” she told us, explaining how the museum isn’t just about the past, but also about capturing the present for future generations. Visitors are even encouraged to share their own ideas about what they’d like to see included next.
As we moved through the space, the timeline of Market Drayton unfolded—from before people settled here, through Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Tudor and Victorian times, right up to the modern day. Tamasin brought each period to life with fascinating detail, weaving in local stories that connect directly to the streets and buildings we know today.
She spoke about the Great Fire of Market Drayton and how it shaped the town, highlighting the importance of water supply and how vital it became to daily life and industry. That naturally led into the town’s rich heritage in food and drink, from brewing to cheese production—at one point, she explained, a significant proportion of Cheshire cheese was made right here, with links to nearby Tern Hill. Even damsons, once a thriving local crop, had their place in the story.
But it’s not all distant history. The museum also captures more recent moments that people still remember. Tamasin shared the story of the 1981 tornado outbreak, which hit Market Drayton and famously lifted the roof off the Methodist Church—an event that eventually led to the creation of the Festival Drayton Centre. It’s these kinds of stories that make the museum feel deeply connected to the community.
There’s also a strong thread of innovation running through the town’s past. We heard about Arthur Philips, who ran an engineering shop making bicycles but was also experimenting with flight. He even met the Wright Brothers, who later visited his workshop in Market Drayton—an incredible link between this small market town and one of the greatest developments in modern history.
As we explored further, the museum revealed layers of everyday life too—from wash day routines with mangles, to agricultural machinery and even a goat cart. There’s a recreated sense of how people lived and worked, alongside stories of more turbulent times, including the Wars of the Roses and the life of a local suffragette.
One of the most striking contrasts is how the museum blends past and present. A bold window display celebrating local music culture, including Redball Records and the “Punk Gary” scene, sits alongside centuries-old history. Tamasin explained that the museum is keen to hear from anyone with memories of that era, particularly ahead of a special History Week event on Saturday 16th May.
They’re also looking for artists and performers to get involved, helping bring the space to life in new and creative ways.
It’s clear that this is a museum for everyone. There’s even a dedicated children’s area, making it a place where families can explore together, learn about different periods of history, and see how the town has evolved over time.
Before we left, Tamasin shared one final thought—the museum has so much more it could offer if only it had more volunteers. Currently open on Wednesdays from 10:30am to 3pm and Saturdays from 10:30am to 1pm, there’s a real opportunity for local people to get involved and help open it up even more.
They’re also keen to hear from anyone with items, stories or knowledge to share—whether it’s about the town’s industries, its music scene, or its people.
You can watch the video here to take a look around, but nothing quite compares to stepping inside yourself. Next time you’re in Market Drayton, take a moment to visit—you might just discover a story you never knew was right on your doorstep
View Photographs
