Keswick Museum and Art Gallery
The Museum tells the story of Keswick and the surrounding area.
Keswick has a unique history, with lots of 'firsts', including
the first pencils, some very famous residents, and lots of beautiful
scenery so awe inspiring that early tourists were left terrified.
 The
Museum was purpose built in 1897, is made of local green volcanic
'slate' and St. Bees sandstone. It is set in the beautiful Fitz
Park, with tennis, putting, bowls and large childrens' playground
nearby, riverside walks and picnic area.
It is the only purpose built museum in the Lake District, and
it still retains its Victorian feel. There is a lot to see in
the Museum and children love it. Some of the stories in the Museum
include:
- The Discovery of the Lake District as a tourist destination
over 200 years ago
- The honeycombing of the area by mining for precious metals
by order of Queen Elizabeth I
- The first recreational use of the fells as the sport of Rock
Climbing was invented, and the amazing photographs taken by
the mountaineering Abraham brothers.
- The discovery of Lakeland's beauty by the romantic writers
and poets of the 1800s.
- The development of the environmental movement with the founding
of The National Trust, principally by one of Keswick's leading
citizens, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley.
In addition the Museum exhibits:
- A stunning collection of crystals and minerals
- Flintoft's amazing 4m Scale Model of the Lake District
- Original letters by Southey, Wordsworth and Walpole
- The famous 500 year old cat
- The remarkable Musical Stones, played by Royal Command for
Queen Victoria
Keswick Museum, Fitz Park, Station Road, Keswick, Cumbria,
CA12 4NF
Contact 017687 73263
Email: keswick.museum@allerdale.gov.uk
Please visit the panoramic
page for a moving view of Fitz Park and the museum
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