East Grinstead Museum

East Grinstead Museum

Located in a modern, purpose-built building, the East Grinstead Museum tells the story of the East Grinstead area through a combination of static and hands-on displays. In addition, there is a special interactive area for younger visitors.

Museum Highlights

The museum holds over 20,000 artefacts related to the rich history of the East Grinstead area from prehistoric times to the modern day. Visitors are also invited to explore items not on display by arrangement with staff or to explore collections online.

See old photographs of East Grinstead, historical documents, and archives related to the town's businesses, residents, and buildings. A special collection looks at the history of the queen Victoria Hospital, with medical artefacts and documents.

Objects from the town's history include artefacts ranging from pub signs to a 14th-century seal and matrix belonging to the nobleman Oudart de Fresnes.

Within the hospital archives is a special collection in honour of Mollie Lentaigne, a medical artist at QVH from 1941-45. Lentaigne was a Red Cross volunteer at the hospital during the war years and she produced a remarkable array of drawings detailing surgical procedures performed by Archibald McIndoe. These drawings were later published by McIndoe in several books and papers. There are roughly 300 drawings in the collection.

There is a research room with resources on local history, genealogy, and historic images. There is a regular programme of special events and educational opportunities throughout the year.