Request for photographs

Introduction

The Cottage Museum is a small community museum situated in the attractive Lincolnshire village of Woodhall Spa. The museum was created to preserve the history of the local community. It is run entirely by volunteers and is housed in a cottage which was the former home of the Wield Family. Along with other artefacts it owns the extensive photographic archive of the late John Wield. This collection provides a rich insight into local life during the early part of the twentieth century. The intention of the trustees of the museum is to continue to collect and conserve artefacts and other material connected to Woodhall Spa and to promote awareness of its historical development.

The cottage itself is of historic interest. The sales brochure for the building ( which is retained in the archives) describes a similar dwelling erected for a Mrs Petre of Norfolk as follows:

The cottage circa 1900
Larger photograph

"This convenient cottage is constructed of strong deal framing, covered on the outside with Galvanised Corrugated Iron, lined inside with varnished match-boarding, sheet felted between the wood and the iron, strong wood floor, eaves, gutters, down pipes, locks and window fasteners included. Outside woodwork painted three coats. Windows glazed with 21 oz glass. Carriage paid to nearest railway station. Erected by our men on purchasers own light brick-work foundation, he providing assistant labour.
Cash price about £246".

The bungalow was extended sometime about the year 1890 to provide more living space.

The use of corrugated iron for houses and other types of buildings such as churches, chapels and schools, was quite common at one time.

Larger photograph

The cottage today
(see map)
The museum's extensive collections of historic photographs and other memorabilia are housed here.

Woodhall Spa's Tourist Information Centre is located here too.

Registered charity No: 1114268

Registered museum No: 1929

Site design and implementation by Brian Clifford