Fordingbridge Museum

31/08/2026

A little piece of Fordingbridge history has come to the Museum!
This large stone once formed part of Fordingbridge’s Great Bridge and was removed recently after the bridge was damaged by an HGV some time ago.
The Great Bridge is one of the town’s most important historic structures, with parts dating back to the 14th or 15th century. The bridge was widened in 1841, during the Victorian period, and this stone is believed to be associated with that 19th-century work.
It is rather wonderful that, instead of disappearing, this piece of the bridge has now been preserved at Fordingbridge Museum — where visitors can see it up close.

Come and see a real piece of Fordingbridge history.

30/07/2026

Don't Miss Your Chance to Own a Piece of Local History!
We've been amazed by the response to our original Sandleheath Brickyard bricks. Thanks to everyone who has bought some at local fairs and helped support Fordingbridge Museum.
There are now only a few left.
If you've been meaning to pick some up, now's the time! These beautiful old bricks make wonderful:
🌿 Plant pot stands (4 bricks – suggested donation £5)
🌼 Garden edging
🏡 Rustic garden features
🪴 Decorative displays
Every donation helps support Fordingbridge Museum and preserves the history of our local area.
The fair season may be over, but the remaining bricks are now available directly from the museum.
📍 Pop in during opening hours, have a look around the museum and choose your bricks before they're all gone.

30/07/2026

Looking for something fun to do with the children?
Come and explore Fordingbridge Museum with Sherlock Bones!

Follow the clues, search the displays and discover all sorts of interesting objects from Fordingbridge’s past.
Entry to the museum is completely FREE, and the quizzes are a lovely way for children and families to explore together.

26/07/2026

🧱 Looking for something a little different for your garden? 🌿
Over the last few months we've been delighted to sell lots of our original Sandleheath Brickyard bricks at local fairs – thank you to everyone who has supported Fordingbridge Museum.
If you missed out, don't worry – we still have plenty available at the museum!
These historic, locally made bricks are ideal for:
🌼 Plant pot stands (4 bricks make a great stand – suggested donation £5)
🌿 Garden edging
🪴 Rustic displays
🏡 Garden features and craft projects
Every donation goes directly towards supporting Fordingbridge Museum and helping us preserve the history of our town.
Why not pop into the museum, have a browse around our displays and, if you fancy giving these lovely old bricks a new home, take a few away with you.
📍 Fordingbridge Museum
King's Yard, Salisbury Street, Fordingbridge
If you're buying more than £10 worth, we may even be able to deliver locally in the Fordingbridge and Sandleheath area.
Thank you for supporting your local museum. ❤️

17/07/2026

07/06/2026

A gravestone of a relative of two of the Tolpuddle Martyrs which was discovered in an archaeological dig in Fordingbridge has been acquired by Fordingbridge Museum.
The gravestone was found in the 1980s during an archaeological dig on the site of the demolished Greyhound Pub in between Salisbury Street and Bridge Street in Fordingbridge. Next to a brick-built building, a brick lined well was discovered and this was capped by a broken gravestone. The stone commemorated Robert Standfield who was father and grandfather to two of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. They were Thomas Standfield, his son and John Standfield, his grandchild.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs were six agricultural workers from Tolpuddle in Dorset who got together in 1834 to protest about their starvation wages of seven shillings a week. Although Trade Unions were legal, they were prosecuted under an obscure law that prohibited unlawful oaths. The magistrates were local landowners and found the six men guilty and sentenced them to seven years transportation to Australia. After a public outcry, the six men were pardoned and returned to England.
Phil Harding of Wessex Archaeology kindly offered the gravestone to the museum and delivered it personally. The gravestone was probably made locally but was broken in the manufacturing process and was repurposed to cap the well. The grave of Robert Standfield who died in 1832 can be found, with a complete headstone, in Verwood church yard.
Jane Ireland, Fordingbridge Museum Director said, “This gravestone is unique in that it is part of the history of Fordingbridge as well as being part of a wider national history. It also throws a light on the moral and social standards of the nineteenth century and those of today. It is on display now and will be of great interest to our visitors.”

30/05/2026

Come and take a look at our dolls display
💕 Remember When...?
A special doll tucked under your arm at bedtime. Carefully brushing Tressy's hair. Ken accompanying countless adventures in the garden, on the carpet, or in a homemade doll's house.
These treasured toys remind us of a time when imagination did all the work and childhood seemed to last forever.
The dolls and toys in our collection each tell a story—not just about the people who made them, but about the children who loved them.
Do any of these bring back memories for you?

07/05/2026

The Green Lungs of Fordingbridge
On Thursday 14th May there will be a talk by Fordingbridge Greener Living on their progress on and future plans for, the woodlands between Green Lane and Normandy Way. This will be at Avonway Community Centre, Fordingbridge as part of the AGM of Fordingbridge Museum. The meeting will start at 2.30 pm.
Louise Tonkin of Fordingbridge Greener living said, In May 2025 a benefactor bought the land on behalf of the community and a group of dedicated volunteers have been brought together to manage the land for the next two years. The primary purpose is to provide a haven for nature, enhancing biodiversity and encouraging a wide range of bird, insects and wildlife. In the long term the intention is to raise funds to buy the land and create suitable access so that people can come and enjoy peace and quiet. It will be a space for gentle contemplation and enjoyment of the natural environment.
The talk will be an opportunity for local people to find out about the project and to ask any questions about it.”

24/04/2026

100 years ago in Fordingbridge, they knew how to campaign for elections.

Some things don’t improve with time.

18/04/2026

✨ Hello Dolly! A New Display at Fordingbridge Museum ✨
Step into a world of nostalgia and childhood memories with our brand new “Hello Dolly” display at Fordingbridge Museum.
From beautifully crafted Victorian dolls to the much-loved favourites of more recent decades, this charming exhibition celebrates the dolls we grew up with—and the ones we never quite forgot. 💕
Whether you remember dressing your Sindy, cuddling your Baby Annabell, or simply admire the artistry of older dolls, there’s something here to make you smile.
👶👗 A perfect visit for all ages
🧸 Full of character, history, and a touch of magic
📍 Now on display at Fordingbridge Museum
Come along and see how toys—and childhood—have changed through the years. You might just spot an old friend…