History
Museums

Situated in the heart of Hereford, The Black and White House is a remarkably well-preserved example of a 17th Century timber-framed building – a startling sight, standing as the sole reminder of times-gone-by in the middle of a modern shopping precinct.

Built in 1621, the house has been used for many purposes over the years, starting life as a butcher’s home and shop. Since 1929 it has been a fascinating museum giving an insight into daily life in Jacobean times. It is furnished in period style with an internationally important collection of English oak furniture.

A former Top Secret underground military complex beneath Kingsford Country Park north of Kidderminster. The tunnels were built between 1941-1942 as a Shadow Factory for the Rover car company. Parts for aircraft engines were machined in the 3.5 miles of tunnels throughout WWII.

In 1961 the British Government converted half of the tunnels into a top-secret facility, designated “Regional Seat of Government 9″ Drakelow, along with 12 other facilities scattered across the U.K. formed a national network of highly classified Nuclear Bunkers, from which the British Government would run the country in the event of Nuclear War. In 1980 the tunnels were upgraded and Blast Doors and Air Locks installed to bring the complex up to full Nuclear Bunker status. Throughout the 1980’s Drakelow operated under complete secrecy until the end of the Cold War in 1990.

The Museum houses the finest and most extensive collections of Worcester Porcelain in the world. Be transported to Georgian times and the very start of production when shapes and patterns were copied from the Far East for use in the homes of the very rich.

In contrast the Victorian gallery is decked with deep colours, extravagant exhibition pieces and works of breath-taking craftsmanship. Henry Sandon introduces an audio tour that is free with entry and sets the scene by talking about the exhibits and what was happening in Great Britain at the time.

Set in the heart of historic Worcester, The Commandery is most famous for being the Royalist Headquarters during the deciding battle of the English Civil War – the Battle of Worcester 1651.

A new interactive exhibition at The Commandery enables you to experience a pivotal moment in English history. Step into the dramatic debate between Royalist and Parliamentarian beliefs, encounter powerful pieces of the past, imagine daily life as a militia soldier and test your strategic skills in the battle room.

A complete, recreated Victorian Town. Exchange your modern money in the Bank for Pounds, Shillings and Pence and then experience what life was like when Britain ruled the world.

Meet some (almost) real Victorians in their authentic shops and cottages, buy curious goods from bygone era and watch tradespeople in action in their atmospheric workshops and factories.

A World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution

The Ironbridge Gorge is home to no fewer than ten museums including Blists Hill Victorian town, Enginuity, Jackfield Tile Museum and Coalport China Museum.