Dean Heritage Centre - Lower Soudley, Gloucestershire
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  • Dean Heritage Centre - Lower Soudley, Gloucestershire
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Contact Information
  • Contact:
  • Deborah Cook
  •  
  • Description:
  • Museum and outdoors with regular courses~ exhibitions~ activities ans events.
  •  
  • Address:
  • Camp Mill, Soudley, Cinderford, Glos
  • Postcode:
  • GL14 2UB
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  • Phone:
  • 01594 822170
  • Fax:
  • 01594 823711
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  • Email Us:
  • Click here to email
  • Website:
  • Click here to visit our site
  •  
  • Keywords:
Further Description
  • The Dean Heritage Centre is run by the Dean Heritage Museum Trust, a Registered Charity formed in 1979 out of public concern that the heritage of the Forest of Dean was fast disappearing. Camp Mill (at the time a scrap yard) was acquired, and with the help of the Community Programme, local government and businesses the Museum opened in 1983.The present building was constructed in 1876 to house a corn mill, powered by two water wheels in tandem. In 1888 Camp Mill was converted into a leather board mill, making shoe insoles and stiffeners. From 1911 to 1952 it was used as a sawmill and the water wheels were replaced by a Francis type turbine. More recently the site was used as a piggery and a scrap yard until in 1981, it was acquired to house the Museum of the Forest and its people.The museum underwent major refurbishment in 2002/2003. Objects from the museum collection are displayed in five new museum galleries to tell the history of the Forest of Dean and its people. The landscape and character of the area result from thousands of years of interaction between the people of the Forest of Dean and its natural environment. Gallery 1 investigates the geology and landscape of the Forest of Dean, the lives of the areas first settlers and farmers, the plants that grew and animal that inhabited the woodland. Gallery 2 explores the role of the Dean as a Medieval Royal hunting Forest, and during the Civil War. Iron mining and smelting, the ancient tradition of Freemining, charcoal production, and the importance of the Dean as a reserve for ship building timber are all features. Gallery 3 examines the industries of the Dean including fishing, agriculture and various trades. The area?s social history is a focus and there is a chance to listen to examples of Forest dialect. Coal mining, the work carried out by the Mushet?s in the development of self-hardening steel, and the use of Forest of Dean ochres is featured. Also on display is Sopwith?s unique geological model of the Dean showing the mineral deposits and underground workings. Gallery 4 covers the recent history of the area. Displays include forestry, Women?s Timber Corps., POWs in the Dean. Modern industries that have impacted the area are explored. Did you know that Ribena was first made by local company H.W. Carter and is still produced in Coleford today? Gallery 5 focuses on large-scale mining, and houses a working Beam Engine made and used in the Dean. Transport networks including tramways, railways and dockyards are explored, as is the quarrying industry. General Information:  Shop  Metal Sculptor Graham Tyler  Caf�  Dean Oak Shop Forest Soap Factory Toilets Waterwheel  Agricultural Display Adventure Playground Picnic Area & Barbecues Fully AccessibleOpening TimesBritish Summer Time 10am ? 5.30pmBritish Winter Time 10am ? 4pmAdmission chargesAdult �4.50Concession �3.50Child �2.50Under 5?s FREEFamily Ticket �13.00 (2 adults & up to 4 children)Please ring for group and school rates.Season tickets available.
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