Gallery One - Prehistoric and Early History

Gallery One investigates the fascinating geology and landscape of the Forest of Dean. Displays show fossilised remains of local plants and animals. They also display prehistoric tools used by the Forest's first farmers to survive. You can also explore early Roman occupation and the iron industry in this gallery. 

 

Gallery Two - Medieval to 18th Century

Gallery Two explores the history of the Forest of Dean as a royal medieval hunting forest. Kings created Forest Laws to protect wild deer and boar they hunted. These laws also safeguarded the woodlands where the animals grazed. 

Special courts and officials known as Verderers administered the rules. This gallery looks at the Forest of Dean's role in the English Civil War. It also shows how Admiral Nelson saved the Forest from destruction. 

 

Gallery Three - Industry and Society

Gallery Three explores the Forest of Dean's industrial history from the Victorian era to now. It looks at the fishing industries along the Rivers Severn and Wye. It also includes various cottage crafts like cobbling, carpentry, and blacksmithing. 

A large section of the gallery focuses on the Dean's coal mining history. It shares stories of mining disasters and rescues. You can also see everyday tools and items that miners used in their lives. 

 

Gallery 41 - Community

Gallery Four, also called "Gallery 41," serves as the community gallery. It represents the 41 parishes in the Forest of Dean district. The gallery has a display about the Forest during the Second World War. It also has a rotating programme of exhibitions that share the story of the Forest people, from the past to the present. 

 

Gallery Five - Power and Transport

Gallery Five focuses on the advent of steam power and transport from the 1800s. The gallery has a working beam engine. Hewlett's iron foundry in Camp Mill made it. It also has working models and interactive displays that show how steam power works. 

 

Victorian School 

Our Victorian School Classroom provides students with an excellent learning experience. Students will travel back in time to see life in a Victorian School Room. They will use slate and chalk as their workbooks. Younger visitors can dress up in traditional Victorian costumes or play old-fashioned games. This creates a great photo opportunity! 

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Forester's Cottage – currently closed for maintenance.

The Forester's Cottage is a rebuilt cottage that shows what a traditional Forester's home looked like in the past. The cottage uses local materials in its reconstruction. It has original fireplaces, like a kitchen range, and furnishings that show how Foresters lived at home. In the cottage grounds, you will find a delightful vegetable patch and a variety of cider making equipment. 

      

The Craft Hut

Let’s get creative! After exploring outside and the fun trails in the museum, our Craft Hut is a great spot for younger visitors to relax and get creative. A great option on a rainy day! The Craft Hut is open at weekends and during the school holidays.