Prescot Museum is located in a Georgian Town House, which was once the site of the local cockerel fighting pit. During the 19^th century it was used as Parr's Bank and eventually as the National Westminster Bank. In 1982 it opened as Prescot Museum.

The Permanent Exhibition

The permanent exhibition reflects the local history of the town, in particular the clock and watch making tradition. On display are local long case clocks, clock and watch making tools, a reconstruction of an 18^th century clock maker's home and workshop, and a reconstruction of part of the 19^th century Lancashire Watch Factory.

There are also small displays reflecting the local industries of pottery manufacture, cable making and mining.

Special Exhibitions, Activities and Events

The Museum mounts a number of special exhibitions throughout the year. These are developed in-house with items loaned from local museums and individual collectors. There are a range of related activities, with talks and seminars, holiday crafts for children, school workshops, special events and much more.

Exhibitions and Events

Law Breakers and Thief Takers
21 January – 18 April 2003
Discover how criminals have been caught and punished throughout history and how the Police Force and Justice System developed to combat crime. There will be a range of hands-on activities for all ages, so you can become a crime fighter or a criminal – it’s up to you!

The Roman Invasion!
29 April – 27 June 2003
Take a trip back 2000 years in history and explore life in Britain during Roman times. Discover how both everyday people and soldiers lived, worked and played.

How Does Your Garden Grow?
8 July – 12 September 2003
An exhibition exploring the history of gardening, and also looking at the conservation of our green spaces today.

 

Information Services

There is an Information Point at the main reception, with information sheets to take away and a range of publications to purchase. There are also displayed here a range of information leaflets on local tourist attractions and leisure activities.

There is a local history and horological (clocks and watches) enquiry service. Your first point of contact is our Information Assistant Susan Mackell. Susan is currently putting together binders of information on specific topics for you to browse. These include information, images and details of the Museum's collection.

If you have a detailed local history enquiry then Susan will direct you to Rosemary Tyler, Curator of Local History. For your horological enquiries you will be forwarded to John Griffiths, Curator of Horology, Stephen Whitehead, Conservation Officer or Dennis Moore, Horological Volunteer.

Learning Services

There is a wide range of learning opportunities available for those in formal education. In addition there are also a range of talks and lectures, special projects and events for all ages.

Friends of Knowsley Museum Service

The Friends are active in supporting the work of the Museum Service. They are currently helping to mount a small exhibition celebrating the Museum's 20^th birthday and have also been taking part in reminiscence sessions as part of an exhibition looking at the Home Front that opens in autumn 2002.

There are also regular activities and trips out, the next being a visit to the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield. For further information contact Rosemary Tyler on 0151 4307787.