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Monday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Rutland County Museum

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Rutland County Museum

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Rutland County Museum is the perfect introduction to England’s smallest county. It is FREE to visit
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The museum displays tell the story of the county, and are complemented by exhibits of archaeology, history and rural life. The museum has a varied and exciting programme of Exhibitions and Events.

15/10/2026

Dating from the early 13th century, this carved piece of Clipsham oolitic limestone was discovered during excavations for the Post Office site in Oakham.

It’s thought to be one of the heads from the six musicians carved into the capitals of the Great Hall at Oakham Castle, created more than 800 years ago.

It must have been quite a surprise to uncover a carved stone head during the excavations!

14/10/2026

Get creative and explore history at our Poppy Crafts and Remembrance sessions at Rutland County Museum.

Join us on Wednesday 21 October for World War One-themed crafts, with the chance to handle and try on World War One equipment and uniform. You can also visit our temporary ‘Remembrance’ display and discover more about the objects and stories connected to the period.

Wednesday 21 October
10.30am–12pm & 2–3.30pm

£3.50 per child | Ages 3–11
Under 2s go free | Accompanying adults go free

No booking required. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

13/10/2026

From the Collection: Guess the Object

Our collection includes thousands of objects, each with its own connection to Rutland’s past.

Some tell us about everyday life, while others offer an insight into the traditions, beliefs and craftsmanship of people who lived here centuries ago.

From ancient artefacts to objects from more recent local life, each one helps us piece together the story of the county and its people.

08/10/2026

Lisa Brodie is a Northamptonshire-based illustrator and artist, creating greeting cards and picture books alongside framed paintings and handmade prints. Having studied Illustration & Printmaking at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, Lisa has worked across a wide range of styles and media, including lino printing.

Now working from her home studio, Lisa takes much of her inspiration from the garden surrounding her, with trees, flowers, birds and insects often featuring in her designs. Her paintings combine water-based paints and pencil, with gentle colours, intricate details and occasional pops of contrasting colour or gold leaf.

A selection of Lisa’s artwork is available to purchase from the Rutland County Museum shop, offering the chance to take home a unique piece created by a local independent artist.

06/10/2026

A glimpse into Rutland’s wool trade

These Georgian wool weights were used to weigh wool as part of the county’s historic wool trade. Wool was an important part of Rutland’s economy for centuries, with the county’s sheep producing highly valued wool for markets at home and overseas.

A small object, but one that gives us a fascinating insight into the people, trade and industries that shaped Rutland’s history.

01/10/2026

What can Bronze Age objects tell us about how they were made, used, deposited and sometimes destroyed?

The New History of Bronze project, run by the University of Leicester, is taking a closer look at the production and treatment of Bronze Age metalwork. The project is exploring how these objects were produced, made, deposited and sometimes destroyed, helping researchers build a deeper understanding of Bronze Age metalworking and the lives of these objects and people who used them.

Objects from the museum’s collections, including woodworking axes, a chisel and gauges, are being examined as part of this research.

Dawid is pictured examining a gold ring-shaped object using a stereo, low-magnification microscope.

Research such as this helps us look beyond an object’s appearance and understand more about how it was made and what happened to it over time.

29/09/2026

Rare Jurassic fossils from Ketton

Newly published scientific research has highlighted the importance of four rare ammonite fossils discovered in Rutland and Northamptonshire.

Three of the fossils were discovered by members of the Peterborough Geological & Palaeontological Group in spoil heaps at Top Grange Quarry, Ketton Cement Works, owned by Heidelberg Materials. The specimens are now cared for in the collections of Rutland County Museum.

Ammonites are particularly rare within the Lincolnshire Limestone Formation, and these discoveries are helping researchers better understand the Jurassic rocks beneath Rutland and the surrounding area.

One of the fossils is the first recorded ammonite from a particular geological layer, providing valuable new evidence about the region’s geological history around 170 million years ago.

The research also demonstrates the value of partnerships between industry, local fossil collectors, geological groups and museums in uncovering, researching and preserving important pieces of Rutland’s prehistoric past.

25/09/2026

Green Machine Creative is a contemporary graphic design and Letterpress printmaking studio run by Lucy Douglas. Inspired by the vibrant, traditional printmaking culture of the USA during five years living and working in South Florida, Lucy returned to the midlands in 2021 to set up her own letterpress workshop where she creates original, handcrafted prints from traditional wood and metal type. In particular she loves creating prints that celebrate local places and events.

A limited number of her ‘Multum in Parvo’ Letterpress prints are currently available in the museum shop.

22/09/2026

From the Collection: Guess the Object

Take a closer look… can you work out what this object is?

Not everything in the museum stores is immediately recognisable. Some objects have a fascinating story behind them, while others once played a simple part in everyday life in Rutland.

Have a guess before the answer is revealed and see how well you know Rutland’s past!

17/09/2026

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes to the museum’s collections?

These photographs offer a glimpse behind the scenes as the team works with some of the museum’s fascinating collection of maps and documents - preserving them for future generations and helping uncover the stories they hold.

Address

Catmos Street
Oakham
LE156HW

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441572758440

Website

http://www.rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk/

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