Following public meetings in Ware between 1984-85. Ware Town Council offered the Priory Lodge, a Grade 1 listed building at the entrance to Ware Priory, dating back to the 14th century, as a Museum for the town.
In 2001 a Heritage Lottery Fund grant was awarded and we were able to both enlarge and update the galleries and link to the World War II Command Bunker in the museum garden.
A Tourist Information Point was opened for those exploring Ware, both visitors and residents.
In 2007 a further extension was built, with the help of a second Heritage Lottery Fund grant, to give more space for exhibitions and to provide a workroom for the backroom team who record artefacts and prepare exhibitions.
Ware Museum was formed in 1986 by Ware Town Council and the Ware Society
During the 2001 building works a Mediæval Well was discovered that supplied water to the monks. This was at first in the garden, but in 2007 it was enclosed in the new Star Gallery and a glass cover fitted that allows visitors to walk above the well!
A now unused window between the Star Gallery and the Hope Gallery has a display of Hitch Bricks, a patent building system, examples of which can still be seen in the town.
Ware Museum is supported by grants and donations.
Thanks for your message
We answer all enquiries as quickly as possible.
Ware Museum is run entirely by volunteers so we cannot guarantee a response time.