The Forncett Industrial Steam Museum is one of the most curious and unique places to visit in the UK. Located in Norfolk, England, this museum is a testament to the history of the Industrial Revolution and its impact on the world. It has many steam-powered machines that describe how steam power transformed the world.
Exploring the Exhibits at the Forncett Industrial Steam Museum
The Forncett Industrial Steam Museum hosts a wide range of exhibits and displays that explore the history of steam power. One of the most popular exhibits is the steam engine collection, which includes engines from different eras and industries. During the museum’s open days, you can see the engines in action and learn about their history and significance.
The displayed machines come from different parts of England and have been donated to the museum. For instance, the Jessop and Appleby Engine dates back to 1897 and started working at the vinegar brewery of Crosse & Blackwell in North London. Then, in 1929, it was transferred to the Sarsons Malt Vinegar Brewery in Tower Bridge Road.
You can also see the Tower Bridge Engine, donated by The Corporation of the City of London. The Dover Engine was Worthington Simpsons’s last large waterworks engine and probably the last steam engine to enter service in the UK water industry.
Another interesting engine is the Sleaford Engine, a classic example of a tandem compound mill engine, widely used in the British industry at the turn of the 20th century. This one spent its working life at the Bass Charrington Maltings at Sleaford.
These are just a few examples of the steam engines you can see in the Forncett Industrial Steam Museum. Engines or machineries occupy every inch of space.
How to visit the Forncett Industrial Steam Museum
The Forncett Industrial Steam Museum is open Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the year from 11am to 4pm. Entrance is free, but donations are always appreciated. During the Steam Ups days, when the steam engines are in operation, tickets cost £10, free for children under 16.
We visited the museum on a normal day, called Static Opening, and it was quite boring as there was none inside the museum. It was interesting to see the steam engines, but we already saw some similar at the London Museum of Water & Steam, so I recommend to visit during the Steam Ups days.
The Forncett Industrial Steam Museum is in Forncett St Mary, South Norfolk. I recommend travelling by car since it is in the countryside and there is no good public transport. There is a parking lot outside the museum where you can leave your vehicle. As the museum is small, I recommend to visit on the same day the nearby Norfolk Tank Museum.
Forncett Industrial Steam Museum
Kingsmuir, Forncett St Mary
Norwich NR16 1JJ
The Forncett Industrial Steam Museum is a unique place to visit to explore the history of steam power. Whether you are a history buff, an engineering enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and educational day out, the museum is worth a visit when the steam engines are running. Feel free to share your thoughts if you already know this industrial museum.