Category: Industrial heritage

Walsall Leather Museum: Plans to Relocate Museum Reversed

Walsall Leather Museum: Plans to Relocate Museum Reversed

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Walsall Council has abandoned plans to relocate the Walsall Leather Museum, closed in April. The new Reform council administration agreed on 24 July to reverse the previous admistration’s decision to relocate the Walsall Leather Museum to the centre of town. Instead, the new council voted to reopen the museum in its current home, a Grade II listed 19th-century leather factory.  

The council said that: “The existing museum building is itself a key component of the heritage offer, providing authenticity, historical context and a visitor experience that would be difficult to replicate through relocation. Retaining the museum in its current location presents a strong opportunity to enhance Walsall’s cultural offer while maintaining a direct connection to its industrial heritage.”

One of the campaigners against the move, Lauren Broxton, is quoted by the Museum Association as saying: “After a gruelling 18 months campaigning, we are thrilled by these developments. It has been emotionally and mentally taxing on many of us and we appreciate every share, petition sign, letter, and collective support. On behalf of the campaign group, I want to thank you all for the amazing support you have given us during this time – it has been crucial to reaching this milestone. We still face challenges and obstacles ahead (we are not naive to the almost inevitable likelihood of the Conservative opposition calling this in for scrutiny) and are continuing to work hard to ensure the best outcome is secured.”

More details here: Plans to relocate Walsall Leather Museum scrapped by new Reform council – Museums Association

The Walsall Leather Museum’s 19th century factory buildign was given Grade II Listed status earlier this year. Image courtesy of the museum.
Wiltshire Industrial Archaeology Conference 2026: From Branch Lines to Tram Lines

Wiltshire Industrial Archaeology Conference 2026: From Branch Lines to Tram Lines

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The 2026 Wiltshire Industrial Archaeology Conference will take place on 24th October at Devizes Town Hall, which is located on the first floor of the building. It is accessible via a wide staircase, or a platform lift. There is an accessible toilet on the first floor of the building. The programme is as follows:

9.30 am – Registration

10 am – Welcome by Mike Stone Chairman of the Industrial Archaeology Committee at Wiltshire Museum.

10.05 am – The Calne branch and its industries, by Mike Stone.  Mike was curator of Chippenham Museum and regularly lectures on a wide range of subjects.

10.50 am – Coffee

11.10 am –  History of the Midland South Western Junction Railway, by Nick Baxter MA in Public History.  Nick is a retired secondary school history teacher.  He gives history talks and guided walks as part of his ‘Wiltshire History Man’ business.

12 noon –  The Wantage tramway, by Dr Richard Marks, historian.  ‘Industry Past’.

12.50 pm – LUNCH BREAK.
Lunch is not provided, please bring your own, or there are numerous bars and cafes in the Market Place, just a short walk from the Town Hall.

2.15 pm –  A compendium of delights relating to the Malmesbury Branch, by Mike Fenton, railway historian.

3 pm – Tea

3.25 pm – The railway, locomotives and history 1916-1919 of the H.M.E.F. Stratton, Swindon: Ammonium Nitrate Explosive Works, research by Colin Judge of the Industrial Railway Society.  Presented by Malcolm Holland, local historian.

4.30 pm – Conference ends

To book follow this link: Booking for events – Wiltshire Museum

Ellis Mill, Lincoln, Added to Historic England’s Buildings at Risk Register

Ellis Mill, Lincoln, Added to Historic England’s Buildings at Risk Register

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The Grade II* listed Ellis Mill, in Lincoln, has been added to Historic England’s Buildings At Risk Register. The site is owned by Lincolnshire County Council. The brick-built tower windmill was erected in 1798 (although its not the first windmill on this site), and was restored in 1977-80. It contains mill machinery assembled from various local windmills.

The windmill is the last of several windmills that once stood on the hilltop north of the city of Lincoln, and is named after the last miller. It operated as recently as 2020 during the COVID pandemic. A survey carried out in 2021 noted more than £500,000 of repair work required, mainly to the roof and sails. According to the BBC, a public meeting held by The Ellis Mill Rescue Group on Thursday 30 July attracted around 150 people. The Ellis Mill Rescue Group submitted a business case for taking over the windmill to the council in March.

Rob Gibson, deputy leader of Lincolnshire County Council, is quoted as saying: “The council owns four windmills – each one is in a different condition with different management arrangements. We are looking at what the options are for each of these sites. We’ve been pleased to have been in talks with interested groups to give the mills a sustainable future and this work is almost completed. A windmill strategy will be proposed for further engagement in the coming months and we will then be in a position to take decisions on how we progress.” The council’s three other windmills are located in Alford, Heckington, and Burgh-le-Marsh.

More details here: Lincoln Windmill ‘at risk’ after years of neglect

Ellis’s Mill, Non Civil Parish – 1388647 | Historic England

Ellis Windmill, Lincoln. Image copyright Dr Michael Nevell.

Industrial Heritage Sites Among those Eligible for £2.5m Tree Planting Fund

Industrial Heritage Sites Among those Eligible for £2.5m Tree Planting Fund

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The Tree Council and Defra are working in partnership to deliver the Trees Outside Woodland Fund for the 2026/27 planting season. The fund’s purpose is to establish trees outside woodland to create or enhance green spaces using a range of tree sizes, species, and planting types. This is the seond year of the fund, which has more than doubled from its first year. The fund offers grants to local authority and charity-led projects in England, including heritage sites.

The fund offers grants of between £10,000 and £40,000 for tree, hedgerow, and orchard establishment projects. It supports the planting of trees in locations including parks, playgrounds, and streets meaning that medium to large-sized industrial heritage charities, with an annual income or turnover of more than £100,000, and suitable spaces, are eligible to apply. Among the projects funded in the 2025/26 year was Avebury Manor Garden in Wiltshire, a National Trust heritage site, which received support to become more climate-resilient following flooding in 2024.

For 2026/27, applications must show clear benefit to communities and demonstrate how plantings will enhance biodiversity. Successful applicants must meet a Biosecure Procurement Requirement, ensuring newly planted trees are sourced from Plant Healthy certified nurseries or have a Ready to Plant assessment voucher. A one-stage application process has been introduced.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with the fund open until 31 October 2026 or until all funding has been allocated. More details about the fund can be found here: Trees Outside Woodland Fund – The Tree Council

Summer Industrial Heritage Exhibitions to Visit

Summer Industrial Heritage Exhibitions to Visit

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As the summer holidays approach, and the festival of archaeology begins, there are many exhibitions at industrial heritage sites and museums available to visit. Here are three industrial heritage sites showcasing restored buildings, images of industry, and local communities.

Shuttles, Steam and Soot premiered at Queen Street Mill Textile Museum from 8 July 2026 before touring to other Lancashire locations. This facsimile exhibition recreates an original touring show from the 1970s, when these extraordinary photographs were taken, documenting working life in Queen Street Mill, Bancroft Shed in Barnoldswick and even atop a 150 foot chimney stack! Follow this link: Daniel Meadows: Shuttles, Steam and Soot – Pendle Radicals

The Staffordshire Potteries Water Board and Potteries Central Savings Bank is hosting pop-up exhibitions, beginning with artwork produced by students from Pinc College, which runs creative study programmes for neurodivergent young people. Known as One Bethesda, building restoration charity Re-Form Heritage, which runs Middleport Pottery, is working with its owner on future possible uses. Further details here: One Bethesda comes to life with Free Pinc College Pop-Up exhibition this Summer!

The Lion Salt Works is presenting an online exhibition about the history and uses of salt, A Brine Romance. To visit the exhibition follow this link: A Brine Romance | West Cheshire Museums

One of the preserved open pans at the Lion Salt Woks, Cheshire. Image copyright Dr Michael Nevell.

Festival of Archaeology 2026: Industrial Sites & Events

Festival of Archaeology 2026: Industrial Sites & Events

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The 2026 Festival of Archaeology, organised by the Council for Brityish Archaeology (CBA), includes more than 1200 events running from 18th July to 2nd August. Amongst these are many industrial archaoelogy and heritage related events.

Amongst the industrial archaeology and heritage events are:

  • Excavation of a small late 18th/early 19th century tile kiln and associated anomalies, Shorne Woods Country Park, Gravesend, Kent
  • Pinkery Canal Excavation, Exmoor National Park, built 1819-20, 8km long, and highest canal built in England
  • Archaeology Lab at Queens Street Mill, Lancashire
  • Tour of Wigston Framework Knitters Museum, Leics

There are also many talks and walks on industrial subjects across England and Wales. To explore the events on offer for the Festival follow this link: Festival of Archaeology Council for British Archaeology

The theme for the 2026 CBA Festival of Archaeology is “Archaeology and Nature”. Archaeology and nature are interconnected revealing how humans have lived with, shaped, and been shaped by the environment around them. By exploring the past using the climate, geology, animals, plants, landscapes and the effect of nature on archaeological sites and buildings today, we can understand how places and communities evolve and develop.

The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) is a leading educational charity dedicated to championing and promoting engagement in archaeology and supporting grassroots archaeologists across the UK. Established in 1944, they have a long history of championing public participation in archaeology, aiming to connect diverse communities with the heritage of our shared past.

DCMS Launches Call for Evidence for National Lottery Future Funding Model

DCMS Launches Call for Evidence for National Lottery Future Funding Model

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The UK Government has launched a call for evidence on National Lottery Good Causes funding to help shape its future investment priorities. The 12-week consultation, National Lottery Good Causes: Fund What Matters To You, is open to members of the public, organisations, and community groups across the UK. This is the first major review of National Lottery Good Causes funding in more than 20 years.

The National Lottery is a crucial source of funding for museums and heritage. Since being established in 1994 it has awarded £9.5bn to more than 53,000 projects across the UK via the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This includes hundreds of industrial heritage sites and projects in England alone.

The UK Government is asking lottery players, organisations, and communities for views on what is working and how funding could be improved in the future. The review aims to make funding more accessible and give local people a greater say in how money is used in their communities. Under legislation, heritage receives 20% of annual National Lottery Good Causes distributions.

The consultation is open until 23 September 2026. More details about the call for evidence and how to contribute here: Public to have their say on National Lottery Good Causes – GOV.UK

To respond to the call follow this link: (Call for Evidence) National Lottery Good Causes – Fund What Matters To You

Arts Council England: Museum Checklist Guidance for Dealing with Local Government Reorganisation

Arts Council England: Museum Checklist Guidance for Dealing with Local Government Reorganisation

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Arts Council England (ACE) has shared a checklist to support museums in preparing for the challenges and opportunities of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) during the years 2026-28. This support is designed to help leaders in local authority-owned and operated museum services, as well as independent museums, gather critical information about their museums and services.

The checklist includes operations, risks, responsibilities and value, and will be essential for future planning within new authority structures. It will help museums’ on advocating for their sites and services by looking at: service operations; risks and responsibilities; and the value the museum delivers.

There is also a dedicated section (Action 10) for independent and local authority reliant museums, helping them to strengthen their case and advocate effectively for continued support in the new landscape.

To download the full ACE checklist follow this link: Museums readiness checklist for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) | Arts Council England

ABTEM – Support for Transport & Engineering Museums

ABTEM – Support for Transport & Engineering Museums

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The Association of British Transport and Engineering Museums (ABTEM) and London Transport Museum are offering specialist support to museums with industrial, transport, or engineering related collections in the form of online advice sessions, email support, and physical visits. ABTEM is a non-profit-making group that exists to provide a forum for the discussion of matters of common interest to transport and engineering museums and to provide a means of representing their views on issues of national and regional concern and is recognised by the Arts Council England (ACE) as a Subject Specialist Network (SSN). They hold regular meetings at museums and heritage sites in the UK.

Lis Chard-Cooper is an ABTEM Committee member and the Vehicles and Engineering Curator, LTM, is now able to offer support sessions to the wider sector. Lis has over 25 years’ experience working with a range of different industrial, science and engineering collections across the country. She has been a peer reviewer, adviser and museum mentor on many occasions.

Industrial objects can often be overlooked in a general collection or staff feel less confident with handling them or concerned with the hazards they might pose. If you are a museum or member of staff with lots or simply just one or two big things but who have little experience or time, please do reach out. The support on offer can take whatever form is most useful to the enquirer, for example a “virtual tea and biscuits” online advice sessions, quick email support answering conservation or storage questions or even a follow up physical visit to a site within the UK. It could be help with collection reviews, or help connecting to a specialist for detailed advice.

Although no charge is made for the time devoted to this support activity, ABTEM would like the recipient museum to complete a short survey to help shape the future support it can offer. Should any on-site visits be needed the recipient museum will be expected to cover any travel costs.

If you have a question or want some guidance, please email your query to: elisabeth.chardcooper@ltmuseum.co.uk

For further details follow these links:

ABTEM Guidelines: GUIDELINES FOR THE CARE OF LARGER & WORKING HISTORIC OBJECTS

Applications Open for Latest Round of UK Government Heritage Funding

Applications Open for Latest Round of UK Government Heritage Funding

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Two funds, which can help restore and re-purpose industrial heritage sites, have been announced by the UK Government. Historic England will distribute the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund as in previous years. The Architectural Heritage Fund will distribute the Heritage Revival Fund in partnership with Historic England.

The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund has opened for a second round. The fund prioritises projects that restore heritage sites serving disadvantaged communities and which demonstrate local benefits. Up to £15 million in funding is available this year (2026), as part of a total £75 million fund. Following the successful first year of the fund, which saw £15 million invested in projects across England, up to £60 million remains available for allocation over the next 4 years, to 2030. Expressions of Interest are now open for the next round of funding. This fund gives grants for the conservation, repair, and conversion of listed buildings of all grades, historic buildings in conservation areas, registered parks and gardens and scheduled monuments.

The Heritage Revival Fund has also opened for a second round. The fund, worth £45 million in total, helps communities to rescue and repurpose historic buildings and transform them to meet modern needs, focusing on regenerating historic buildings in town centre locations. Delivered in partnership with DCMS and Historic England, the AHF will provide grants to hundreds of communities across England, supporting them to take control of and find sustainable new uses for derelict or neglected historic buildings. Focusing on town centres and areas of high deprivation, the Fund will help transform these local heritage assets into vibrant new spaces – ranging from arts centres to cultural and community hubs and affordable housing.

For further details on how to apply follow these links:

Heritage at Risk Capital Fund – Historic England

Heritage Revival Fund – The Architectural Heritage Fund

The Architectural Heritage Fund