Witney and District Museum

15/10/2026

👩🏼‍✈️Hear from Candy Adkins about her mother, Jackie Moggridge - pioneering pilot and trailblazer, at our FREE October event

Committed to challenging the male-dominated world of aviation, Jackie Moggridge was a passionate pilot who began her career training to fly commercial planes – but was forced out of the cockpit during the Second World War, instead joining the WAAF as a radar operator. Despite being denied the chance to be an active service pilot during wartime, Jackie played a vital role in delivering planes from A to B for the Air Transport Auxiliary, wherever they were needed.

Jackie’s contributions weren’t overlooked – she received the King’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air, and was one of the first women to earn their full RAF wings in 1953. Over her lifetime, Jackie flew more than 1,500 aircraft – with a third of those being Spitfires. She even made a supersonic statement of her own by becoming the first woman to break the sound barrier in an F-86 Sabre, and later became the first female commercial airline captain.

📆 28th October 28
⏰ 18.00 - 20.00
📍Witney and District Museum, 75 High Street
🎟️ FREE event with limited spaces - email [email protected] or call 01993 775915 to book book today!

Join us for a fascinating talk by Candy Adkins about her mother, the pioneering pilot Jackie Moggridge. Committed to challenging the male-dominated world of aviation, Jackie was passionate about flying […]

13/10/2026

👻 🎃 Dark tales, hidden history & haunted whispers… Dare you walk Witney’s shadowy streets this Hallowe'en?

As night falls over Witney, step into a world of forgotten stories, eerie legends, and untold mysteries. Join us for a spine-tingling journey through the town’s hidden past, where history meets the supernatural.

What Awaits You?

👻 Ghostly Legends – Hear unsettling tales of Witney’s haunted locations
🌚Dark History – Uncover the town’s strangest secrets and mysterious past.

Experience Witney’s historic streets as never before.

Whether you’re a history lover, a ghost story enthusiast, or just looking for a thrilling night out, this tour will change the way you see Witney forever…

📍Meet at Witney and District Museum
📆 31st October AND 1st November
⏰ 6.30pm to 8.00pm

Limited spaces so booking essential. To book email [email protected] or call 01993 775915

Are you brave enough? Book today!

Dark tales, hidden history & haunted whispers… Dare you walk Witney’s shadowy streets? As night falls over Witney, step into a world of forgotten stories, eerie legends, and untold mysteries. […]

28/09/2026

🔔 Join us on October 18th at St Mary's Church from 1.30pm for a rare opportunity to explore one of Witney’s most historic sites - Witney’s Bell Tower.

From the medieval craftsmanship to the mighty bells that have rung for generations, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the town’s past, plus the have a go a ringing a bell!

Standing proudly at the end of Church Green, the 156ft spire and grand size of St Mary’s Church reflect the town’s wealth and importance during the Middle Ages, much of it built on the wool trade. The church was likely founded by the Bishops of Wi******er between 1070 and 1100, possibly on the site of an earlier Saxon church. The present building dates mainly from the 13th century.

This exclusive event is perfect for history lovers, families, and anyone curious about Witney’s heritage. Don’t miss your chance to see the town from a whole new perspective!

📍St Mary’s Church, Church Green, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 4AW
⏰ 13.30-15.00
🎟️ £10 - limited spaces so email [email protected] or call 01993 775915 today to join us!

Join us for a rare opportunity to explore one of Witney’s most historic sites. From the medieval craftsmanship to the mighty bells that have rung for generations, this tour offers […]

20/09/2026

We are so proud of our gorgeous new Bartlett Taylor Gallery space!

We want to thank..
📸 Sam Brown Design for the 3D design and Photography
🧑🏻‍💻 Work Form for the 2D design
⚒️ Jon Lloyd for bringing the plans to life and building the exhibition

🤞🏻 And of course this was all made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund so we extend huge thanks to players.

Have you been in to see it all yet?

16/09/2026

🗺️ Witney's future cartographers got a head start this summer!

At our Summer Holiday Museum Explorer Workshop, families made their own map of Witney. What would be on yours?

Sign up to our newsletter today to hear about our next holiday events and activities
https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/join-our-newsletter/

15/09/2026

Have you ever wondered who Vanner Road is named after? Why Early Road carries its name? Or who built the houses on Burford Road, the tall chimney and the historic buildings on Mill Street?

We’re proud to be partnering with Witney High Street Methodist Church to put on this exhibition as part of , discover the stories of the people and families who helped shape Witney.

Woven with Faith explores the connections between Witney’s famous blanket-making industry and Methodism, revealing how faith influenced generations of local families and inspired enterprise, philanthropy and social justice — in Witney and far beyond.

📍 High Street Methodist Church, 40 High Street, Witney
🎟️ FREE ENTRY
📅 Open throughout Heritage Open Days until Friday 18 September – please check opening times before visiting.

Come along and discover another layer of Witney’s story.

https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/ to check opening times.

13/09/2026

Teachers!

Did you know that we at Witney Museum offer schools a rich opportunity for students to explore the story of their own town?

Through our displays, objects and learning resources, pupils can discover how local people, industries and ideas have shaped Witney over hundreds of years and consider how their community continues to change today.

For Key Stage 1 & 2
We invite schools to discover the story of Witney and the industry that made it world-famous. Through this interactive workshop, students are introduced to the town’s history and the trade that shaped it.

For Key Stage 3
We invite students to investigate the story of Witney and the industry that made it world-famous. Through this interactive workshop, students will use their historical enquiry skills to examine a range of sources to uncover how the blanket trade shaped the town, its people, and its place in British industrial history.

Object Handling Box
Step back in time and discover what play was like for children growing up in Victorian Witney. Our Victorian Toy Handling Box is packed with replica toys, hands-on activities and teaching resources designed to encourage curiosity, observation and discussion.

Find our more on our website here or use the link in our bio

Through our displays, objects and learning resources, pupils can discover how local people, industries and ideas have shaped Witney over hundreds of years and consider how their community continues to change today.

11/09/2026

Join us TOMORROW for our Volunteer Open Day to find out how YOU can get involved with preserving and sharing Witney's rich heritage!

We are looking for more volunteers to join our team! Join us from 1030-1pm tomorrow and will meet people who are already enjoying volunteering with us, and will be able to find out about the range of roles we can offer.

📆 TOMORROW Saturday September 12th, 1030-1pm

📍 Witney and District Museum, Gloucester Court Mews, 75 High Street, Witney, OX28 6JA - we are just off the High Street at the junction with Witan Way, through the archway inscribed ‘BARTLETT BUILDERS’.

Find out more right here https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/event/volunteer-open-day-3/

10/09/2026

Genealogists mark your diaries for our FREE event: Family History Surgery in 10 days on the 19th September!

Does your family come from Witney? Do you have a question about your family’s history? Are you interested in finding out more about genealogy?

As part of this year’s Heritage Open Days theme, Everyday Histories, join family history expert Peter Bennett from Oxfordshire Family History Society to explore the stories of ordinary people who lived, worked and raised families in Witney.

Dig into the archives at Witney & District Museum to uncover more about your ancestors and the traces they left behind. Whether you’re just starting your family history journey or have specific questions about your lineage, Peter will be on hand to offer guidance, tips and resources to help you delve deeper into the past.

Family history is about more than names and dates. It can reveal where people lived, the jobs they did, the schools they attended and the communities they belonged to. Discover how researching your family can provide a unique window into the everyday lives of past generations.

Explore the museum’s collections, discover local records and connect with others who share an interest in Witney’s history. There will be opportunities to share your own family stories and see fascinating historical documents up close.

To find out more about Oxfordshire Family History Society visit www.ofhs.uk.

This is a free event and no booking is required, simply drop in and start discovering your connections to Witney’s past.

📆 September 19 @ 11:00 - 14:00
📍Witney & District Museum, Gloucester Court Mews, 75 High Street, Witney, OX28 6JA. We are just off the High Street at the junction with Witan Way, through the archway inscribed ‘BARTLETT BUILDERS

09/09/2026

There's still plenty ahead for us this year!

From our Volunteer Open Day and Heritage Open Days this weekend, to tours including St Mary's, Bell Tower and our own spooksome shiverfest of a Halloween ghost tour, plus walks and a talk about a legendary local aviatrix, there's something for almost everyone!

Check out the whole calendar here or through the link in our bio
https://www.witneymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/