Bobbins and Lacemaking
Here we focus on a nineteenth-century lace bobbin. Or at least, we’ll start with one bobbin and then look at a few others. This will
Blogs and News
Museum Collection
William Cowper’s Writing Slope
A box, but a very special box. It is Cowper’s portable writing box, which opens up to become a miniature desk. This ‘writing slope’, to
Olney Church & John Newton
In 1893, the Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society published an article in ‘Records of Buckinghamshire’ titled ‘Olney Church’. BAS has kindly allowed us to reproduce their article
Handkerchiefs and their ‘flirty’ language
Today we casually toss away our used tissues into a waste bin. If you lived in Georgian times handkerchiefs and their flirty language were the
The language of rings: William Cowper and his women friends
Here we look at two rings in the museum collection which date from the mid-eighteenth century and are said to have belonged to William Cowper.
John Newton Dissenting Minister
In 1893, the Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society published an article in ‘Records of Buckinghamshire’ which contained an image of a page from ‘The Monthly Review.’ It
The Reinterment of John Newton 1893
The reinterment of the remains of the Rev John Newton and his wife, Mary Newton, took place at the church of St Peter & St
Patchwork and Plum Cake – ‘good things’ from Mrs King
The counterpane in Cowper’s bedroom is made of cotton, and was finished in about 1790. It was made for him by one of his female
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
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.
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
Cowper & Newton Museum Development Officer – Appointment
Museum Development Officer Fixed Term Contract: April 2022 –April 2023 3 days per week This role is suitable as a freelance or employed post Salary: £ 20,000 per annum or fixed fee. IF EMPLOYED plus pension, annual leave of 20 days pro rata Location: C&N Museum and remote working. The post requires travelling to meetings
Job Vacancy – Heritage Engagement Officer (18th month Heritage Fund Project)
Fixed Term Contract April 2022 – October 2023 4 days per week (0.8) The role is based at the Museum with opportunities for home working when appropriate Reports to: Cowper & Newton Museum Trustees Salary: £26,500k per annum Amazing Grace 250 – Celebrating a Diverse Legacy Role overview: Made possible by money raised by National
Thank You Heritage Lottery Amazing Grace – Legacies at 250
Amazing Grace 250: Celebrating a Diverse Legacy Today the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney is celebrating after receiving a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund of £98,760 towards their exciting heritage project, ‘Amazing Grace 250 – Celebrating A Diverse Legacy’. Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, and match funded by
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
