Museums can be rather uninteresting places where the exihibits are forever enshrined in glass cases with little in the way of true history being gleaned by the visitor. The Weardale Museum at Ireshopeburn, Weardale in England is definitely not one of those staid exhibitions of the past. Yes, some of the rarer artefacts held at this museum are behind protective glass but nobody will bother any visitor who wishes to explore the more mundane exhibits of past life in this remote part of the Pennine mountain chain
Registered Heritage Charity Ran By a Team of Dedicated Volunteers
Weardale is one of the renowned Durham Dales and it has a unique heritage of lead mining, quarrying and hill farming. It is a wholly voluntary organisation run by local experts from the Wear valley. The Weardale Room downstairs is decked out like a 19th century living room. There is a coal range to heat the place and a huge deal table dominates the centre of the room. This table was used as a dining area, work bench and for preparation of essential home baking.
Table Full of Unusual Items From Weardale's Heritage
On this large table are several curious relics from the past. There are knitting sticks, an early tin opener, a multiple mouse trap, old fashioned children's games, a cockroach trap and much more to baffle the unknowing public. People are actively encourage to pick these items up and try and work out what on earth the were used for. It can turn into real quiz for visitors working out what these ancient items were used for. Not everyone has seen unusual items such as these before.
The Museum Shows How Clothes Were Washed in the Old Days
Automatic washing machines were not even dreamt about in those grimy days of early lead mining and iron ore and limestone quarrying. Smalls were washed in a simple galvanised basin. The larger regular wash was carried out in a cast iron set pot boiler. The spinner of those days was a wooden poss stick which gripped and turned the heavy washing manually. Excess water was wrung from the washing by a wooden rollered mangle. Drying could be done by a airing rail above the fire in cold wet weather.
Where John Wesley Preached Methodism
Methodism came to Weardale around the middle of the 18th century. Followers of John Wesley came to Weardale bringing with them a simple religion that appealed to the hardy folk of Weardale. Those evangelists did their work well and many chapels were built and societies were formed to carry the word to the leadminers, hill farmers and quarriers of Weardale. John Wesley came several times to High House Chapel, right next door the museum.
Museum Room Full of Wesley and Methodist Memorabilia
The museum used to be a Methodist manse and the old minister's study contains many religious relics. There is a portable harmonium, busts and paintings of Wesley, loving cups, a clarinet used to keep pitch for hymn singing and books of hymn tunes. The chapel next door to the museum is still in regular use. It is now the oldest Methodist chapel in the world still in constant use for weekly Methodist services.
Visitors are most welcome at these Sunday services.
Hill Farming, Railways, Lead Mining, Quarrying and Weardale's Early History
Hill Farming has been carried out since earliest times in upper Weardale. The museum contains a series of exhibits of farming life in olden times. There is also an exhibit on the Upper Weardale Extension Railway. These railways were essential to transport lead and minerals to the booming industries around the Tyneside and northeast England. Limestone, iron ore and lead ore were in great demand and Weardale contributed these to the Industrial Revolution.
Weardale's Heritage Lives On
Volunteers run this unique attraction from May to September and is also open over the Easter weekend. Details can be obtained from the Weadale Museum website.
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