The Collection
Over the last twenty years our collection has steadily grown, with items donated to the Museum, together with some important items which we have purchased. The rarest objects in the collection are the small pieces of rusty metal surviving from the Lift, and a twelve foot section of the original track. We also hold four of only half a dozen surviving legging boards or 'wings' boards, which the boatmen had to lay on when 'legging' their boat through the localwide tunnels. We also have a rare tunnel lamp from the horse boating era. The collection tells the story of the lift and the locks at Foxton and the local canals. The social history of the people who worked on the canals and lived in the cottages is also told. Young visitors are pleased to find that we have a very hands-on approach with things to touch and operate. Coupled with the living history of the unique staircase of ten locks, literally on our doorstep, the past comes to life.
If you are looking for a specific object, please e-mail our staff and they will see what we have in the collection
We have a substantial collection of Measham pottery. The original sign for 'Gilbert's' coal, coke and lime wharf from Welford is also in the collection along with other items from the wharf. A variety of 'gauging rods' help tell the story of how the canal companies charged to use the waterway. We also hold a collection of audio recordings and a small collection of film.
Go to 'Archive' to read about documents, photographs etc in the collection.
We are planning to put much more of the collection on line, watch this space!
