Honouring the Hares
Cowper’s three hares – Puss, Tiney and Bess – soon became an integral part of his life story and have remained so. Two of the
Blogs and News
Museum History
The History of My Three Hares
The most detailed account of Cowper’s pet hares is contained in a letter he sent to The Gentleman’s Magazine. It was published in the June
Newton’s Straw-work Box
We discuss here the materials and design of a straw-work box dating from the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century. It belonged to the
A lavender water bottle
Our examination of this small bottle prompts reflections on perfumes, herbal remedies, gardening and the English weather. It was given to Wordsworth after Cowper’s death.
A Letter Cabinet
Cowper is renowned for his letters. Here we look at his ‘filing cabinet’, the paper, pens and ink he used, and the postal system he
Cowper’s fashion accessories
Here we focus on a few small items of dress, carefully chosen by Cowper to present himself creditably to the world. We begin with a
Cowper’s Pocket Watch – a Musical Movement with Bassoon
William Cowper’s pocket watch, gifted to him by his cousin Theodora, has inspired a new piece of music for bassoon by composer Lara Poe. Romantic
The Electrifying Machine
Surprisingly, William Cowper owned and operated an electric shock machine, and used it to treat Mrs Unwin after her second stroke in 1792. It consisted
Cowper’s spaniel, Beau
So familiar is the depiction of Cowper in terms of the three male hares that he reared and kept as pets, Puss, Bess and Tiney,
New Donation – Original manuscript letter by John Newton
We are delighted to accept a new and exciting donation of a manuscript letter from the private collection of Mike Rendell. The letter was left
Mrs Unwin’s Spectacles
This article begins by closely examining the pair of Mrs Unwin’s spectacles held in the museum’s collection – their frame, lenses and case. For each
William Cowper’s Missing Will
Since the start of the COVID pandemic, the National Archives at Kew has allowed free downloads of digital records from its website, a concession which
Local History
The Olney World Famous Pancake Race
No one really knows the origins of the world famous Pancake Race at Olney, but it is a long and loved tradition in the town.
The Olney Militia
During the 18th century the regular army was constantly under strain from actions abroad such as the wars in North America and combatting Napoleon’s expansion
Poor Laws – The Roundsman System
Within the Poor Laws records in the Museum Archive there is also a small book which gives insights into the Roundsman system of poor relief.
Poor Laws & Workhouses
In 1900, the then newly opened Cowper Memorial Museum was given twelve Overseers of the Poor ledger books. They cover the period 1744 to 1820
OLNEY & DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY
Olney & District Historical Society (ODHS) was founded in 1997 by a group of like-minded people determined to keep Olney history alive for all generations of
William Legge, 2nd Earl of Dartmouth, 1731-1801
William Cowper and John Newton are the most famous residents of Olney, but William Legge, the 2nd Earl of Dartmouth, is probably the most significant
Latest News Stories
Amazing Lace 250 Competition
Amazing Lace 250 Competition ‘Amazing Lace 250’ is an online competition. In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the world famous hymn ‘Amazing Grace’, we want to commission an original piece of lace based on this theme, through an online competition. The winning entry will receive £500 and the piece of lace will become the
Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Presentation
Following the announcement of the Award on 2nd June 2020, the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Mr Alexander Boswell today presented
Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
We are honoured to announce that on Tuesday 2nd June Cowper & Newton Museum Volunteers received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
Cowper & Newton Museum wins National Lottery support
The Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney has been awarded a £93,800 Heritage Lottery Fund grant National for the next step in its refurbishment programme
