cromwell museum
The Cromwell Museum is home to the best collection of items relating to the life
and times of Oliver Cromwell on public display anywhere in the world. The
collection comprises over 800 items, including portraits, clothing, miniatures,
arms and armour, historical documents written by or about Cromwell, and displays
as diverse items as copies of his death masks and even his hat!
The Museum is located in the former Huntingdon Grammar School building, which
was where Oliver Cromwell was educated as a schoolboy. The building itself is
all that remains of a medieval hospital, built to provide hospitality for
travellers and pilgrims in the 12th century. It was also where the young Samuel
Pepys was educated in the 1640s. The Museum tells the story of Cromwell’s life,
from his time at the school and his early years in Huntingdon and St Ives,
before he became involved in national politics. On display you can see the
vestry book of the parish of St Ives, which includes his signature, and some of
his possessions, including his hat. By contrast, the Museum’s exhibits include
luxurious items given to Cromwell later in life, including a magnificent
Florentine perfume cabinet, which was a gift from the Grand Duke of Tuscany; and
a 17th century medicine chest still with its surgical instruments and tools,
which Cromwell is said to have taken on campaign with him.
We also tell the story of Cromwell’s military career, and have several of his
swords displayed alongside other weapons, arms and armour of the English Civil
War. Displays also include many original and iconic paintings of Cromwell, his
family, his political and military contemporaries and of events relating to the
Civil War, by the great artists of the period including Robert Walker, Sir Peter
Lely, William Dobson and Samuel Cooper.
Our displays look at more than simply Cromwell himself; they also examine his
impact and legacy right through to our own times. The Museum cares for an
impressive collection of drawings and cartoons including works by Gerald Scarfe
and Quentin Blake.
It is impossible to show everything in the Museum so exhibits are regularly
changed. Our role is not to praise or condemn Cromwell. He is a controversial
figure to many; our role is simply to present the facts and various
interpretations of his life, telling his story 'warts and all' and allow
visitors to make their own minds up about him.
Visitors can see more through our programme of regular temporary exhibitions and
events throughout the year; we also offer tours and activities for groups and
schools. The Museum is operated by an independent charity, the Cromwell Museum
Trust.
