Restored
in 1999 to its present original glory, the Portland Basin Museum
buildings, originally the Ashton New Wharf warehouse, had stood
derelict for some thirty years since it was razed by fire in
the 1970s. Located at the junction of the Ashton Canal and the
Lower Peak Forest Canal, it served as a main artery for provisions
and exports to and from the Ashton region for nearly 200 years.
It is a fine example of industrial warehousing of the Industrial
Revolution period.
Designed
and built in 1834 by David Bellhouse and Company, it now houses
excellent industrial and local community based exhibits, including
machinery for hat and glove making, as well as many canal exhibits
and displays.It
originally cost the Ashton Canal Company some £8,901 13s.
3d.
Also included
in the museum is a reconstructed street with excellent period
settings - a middle class sitting room, a workers kitchen, doctor's
surgery, clogmakers, general store, pawnbrokers, public house
and other settings - all enhanced by suitable period lighting
and sound effects.
In the basement,
working models of canal and rail systems offer interactive and
educational experiences for all age groups.
here is
also a collection of local Victorian and Edwardian photographs
with the accent on period costume.
Permanently
moored in the basin are several old narrowboats of some history,
many under gradual reconstruction and restoration, by the Wooden
Canal Boat Society, which is based at the Museum.
OPENING
TIMES
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00am till
5.00pm and is closed on Mondays. (Please check before setting
out - times may have changed).
ENTRANCE
Entry to all exhibits is free.
FACILITIES
Disabled access, hot and cold drinks available, picnic area,
toilets and baby changing facilities, shop, free car parking,
conference centre.
