Ware Museum was formed in 1986 by Ware Town Council and the Ware Society. 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. 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!