Museum History

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,

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

The Cowper & Newton Story Begins – 250 years

The Road to Olney – The Cowper & Newton Story @ 250 We are often asked how William Cowper and John Newton came to meet

Lace Making

Lace Making at the Cowper & Newton Museum Although the Lace Room is currently closed for exciting redevelopment, we are continuing to share our love

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