Visit the newly refurbished Lacemakers room which tells the story of the lacemakers of Olney and surrounding villages with new objects, stories and displays. Visit our newly-launched online shop and discover many of our most popular products, including The Olney Hymns, Amazing Grace tea towels and much more.
Wherever possible, we use recycled packaging when despatching our products to help save the environment. All eyes are set to be on Olney in 2023, when the town will be at the centre of commemorations to mark the 250th anniversary of one of the world's most beloved hymns, 'Amazing Grace'. Your e-mail address is only used to send you our newsletter and information about the activities of the Cowper & Newton Museum.
Wherever possible, we use recycled packaging when despatching our products to help save the environment. All eyes are set to be on Olney in 2023, when the town will be at the centre of commemorations to mark the 250th anniversary of one of the world's most beloved hymns, 'Amazing Grace'. Your e-mail address is only used to send you our newsletter and information about the activities of the Cowper & Newton Museum.
Services
Welcome to Orchard Side house, which from 1768 to 1786 was the home of William Cowper, renowned 18th century poet. Walk back in time through rooms featuring numerous personal artefacts and belongings. Discover William's comic sense of humour, the highs and lows in his life and his love of gardening and animals - especially his pet hares.
Visit the Museum Gardens of the eighteenth-century poet, William Cowper, a passionate gardener living at a time when seeds and plants were arriving from North America. From his letters and poems, many of which were written here at Orchard Side, we know many of the plants he grew. He even grew pineapples in the museum garden, having received from the gardener at Gayhurst House, 'six fruiting pines'.
The Three Hares Gallery is located on the top floor of the Museum building and holds monthly exhibitions, it is now in a bigger, brighter space with state of the art CCTV security and direct stair access from our Shop. Since 2007 our exhibitions have included artists who work in watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels, drawings, prints, photography, ceramics, woodcraft and textiles, including felt, patchwork and tapestries.
We are so excited to welcome you on your visit to the Cowper & Newton Museum, Olney. The Museum is near Milton Keynes, Bedford and Northampton making it easy to travel to, whether you are visiting the area or coming from further afield with many transport links to London. If you have any questions about your visit to the Cowper & Newton Museum, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Journey through Georgian medicine and discover what your doctor may have given you 250 years ago. Our children's trail is linked to our new temporary exhibition 'Quackery & Enlightenment - A journey through Georgian medicine' from which you will discover Scottish physician, William Buchan, who was on a mission to educate the Georgian population on health and the dangers of quack medicine.
Reviews (9)
Janet Peck
Nov 05, 2021
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Tomek Ikea
Oct 17, 2021
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Elaine O'Rourke
Oct 16, 2021
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Trevor Penrose
Aug 23, 2021
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Dickie Williams
Aug 08, 2021
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Mike Santoro
Jun 19, 2021
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The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. As I am a wheelchair user they went beyond and above to ensure we had a full experience of this remarkable place. As well as an interactive screen, they allowed us to watch a video of the interior of the house . The garden was a magical explosion of scents, beauty and wild life. We were so impressed that we purchased an annual ticket. Definitely reccomend a visit.
Cathy Wells
Dec 01, 2020
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This is a wonderful place to visit and has reopened in safe conditions after lockdown. The heart of Olney: exquisite gardens, the Summer House where Cowper wrote his beautiful poetry, extensive collections of artefacts illustrating Georgian Olney and the history of these two fascinating men who wrote the Olney Hymns, poet and preacher dedicated to the cause of abolishing slavery.
David Booth
Jun 03, 2019
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A fascinating Georgian town house museum which tells you about the lives and relationships of 3 people; Cowper, an influential poet, Newton, a writer of hymns and Mary Unwin, a companion and carer. There is also information on the history of Olney. Two tranquil gardens to the rear of the property are excellent places to sit and relax.
Graham Jeffery
Jun 17, 2017
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