The Guildhall Museum

The Guildhall is home to a state-of-the-art interactive Museum designed to bring the fascinating history of Finchingfield and its rural surroundings to life.  

Our interactive displays include:

  • The history of the Finchingfield commencing with the ice age
  • The significant homes in Finchingfield
  • The restoration of the Guildhall
  • Our local authors: Finchingfield was home to both Dodie Smith (101 Dalmatians), Norman Lewis (Naples ’44) and Essex local historian Eliza Vaughan.
  • The village workhouse
  • The windmill
  • Education, parish justice
  • The paintings of Arthur Legge

Amongst many artefacts on display are:

A neolithic polished axe and other worked flints

  • Pieces of Roman tile: one with a dog’s paw print, one with a hob nail boot
  • A Roman quern
  • Examples of straw plaiting, an important local industry
  • Many items of social history
  • Examples of traditional construction methods used in the restoration of the Guildhall
  • Witches sticks

The Guildhall is home to a state of the art interactive Museum designed to bring the history of Finchingfield and it’s rural surroundings to life. 

On occasion, the paintings by Finchingfield artist Arthur Legge RBA are available to view in the Guildroom. Please check if these are available in advance.

Our volunteers are on hand to give visitors a real insight into village life throughout the ages. 

The Guildhall Museum is situated on the ground floor of the building.  It is open every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm – 4pm from March to October.  Entry is free – but donations towards our running costs are welcomed.

If you are interested in a group tour please contact us. Tours can also be booked through Invitation to View

 Opening times:

March to October
Open Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday:  2 – 4pm
At other times
Saturday: 2pm – 4pm
Sunday: 2pm – 4pm
 

Entry Fees:

Free entry but donations gratefully accepted.