Restored Tortoise Stove in Thame Vicarage Room
Discover the story of the restored 19th-century Tortoise Stove now reinstalled in the Thame Vicarage Room at Chiltern Open Air Museum. First designed in 1830 by Charles Portway in Essex, the Tortoise Stove became famous for its slow-burning efficiency and motto “Slow but sure.” Visit the Museum to see this beautifully restored example of Victorian heating history brought back to life.
What was it like living in a 1940s Prefab?
Visiting the 1940s prefab at Chiltern Open Air Museum is like stepping back in time. Why were the prefabs built, what was it like to live in them, and why were their gardens cherished by those who moved into a prefab in the 1940s?
Women’s History Month: Edwardian Public Toilets and Social History
The Museum is rightly proud of its Edwardian public conveniences. The building represents a much greater issue in our social history. Had it been erected a few years earlier, there would have been no need for the ‘WOMEN’ sign because public toilets were generally not provided for women in Victorian Britain.
The History of Garston Forge and the Martin Family
In years gone by, every town, village and hamlet would have had a blacksmith’s shop at its heart. Here at the Museum, we saved and re-erected a forge from Garston. Find out about the history of the forge and the family who worked there.
Groundworks Begin for the 1950s Bandstand
Groundworks begin at Chiltern Open Air Museum for the re-erection of a 1950s bandstand, originally from Finsbury Circus Gardens.
Jackson Studios
Jackson Studios, the birthplace of many iconic British sounds including Motorhead’s Ace of Spades, is currently in storage at Chiltern Open Air Museum.
The History of the Glory Mill
At the far end of the museum site is a rescued and reconstructed building that was once part of Glory Mill, a paper-making factory that was in Wooburn Green, High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.
The History of Leagrave Cottages
Discover the history of the thatched Leagrave Cottages which stand proudly on the villlage green at the museum.
Henton Mission Room - the Iron Building
Discover the fascinating stories of “Iron Buildings” like our Henton Mission Room.
The History of Our Toll House
Explore why there was a need for so many toll houses in Victorian Britain, how families lived in them, and the heritage of the toll house at the museum.
Finding Us
Newland Park, Gorelands Lane
Chalfont St Peter HP8 4AB