About us

Witney & District Museum is proudly run by volunteers and supported by the generosity of our community. We aim to offer a friendly, engaging and informative experience for everyone who visits. Discover Witney’s rich wool trade heritage and explore the many stories, people and industries that have shaped the town past and present.

The Ground Floor

On the ground floor you can explore the story of Witney and its surrounding villages over the last 1,000 years. Our displays highlight the people, places and industries that have shaped the town; from archaeological finds, St Mary’s Church and Witney Railway Station to school life, glove making and the town’s brewing heritage.

Discover objects from the former Wychwood Brewery (also known as the Eagle Brewery), an important part of 180 years of brewing in Witney, before it’s closure in 2023. Uncover Witney’s once-thriving glove-making industry, centred in the Newland area. Established around 1830 by Woodstock glove maker William Pritchett, the factory was an important local employer for many years.

A new Community Cabinet, coming soon, will showcase stories from Witney today. This project has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Museum Development South East.

The First Floor

On the first floor you’ll find the Bartlett Taylor Gallery, our dedicated exhibition space. Newly updated with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the gallery invites you to uncover new perspectives on Witney’s past and present. Witney’s Got Wool explores the town’s rich blanket-making history; The Art of the Scribe celebrates the work of Isabelle Spencer; Behind the Lens reveals the life and photography of Arthur Titherington; and Witney at Work traces the town’s long relationship with industry, medicine, care and community life.