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Stonyhurst Museum and Historic Libraries Open Days 2020 Stonyhurst College is home to the oldest museum in the English-speaking world, dating back to 1609. Many of the objects in the Collections bear witness to its unique place in English history from the Middle Ages to the present day, while others show how pupils and staff have made their mark on the world as scientists, travellers, archaeologists, antiquarians, soldiers, civil servants and missionaries all over the globe.
Wednesday 8th April Friday 17th & Saturday 18th July Friday 24th & Saturday 25th July
On display in 2020: • First Folio of William Shakespeare • Prayer books of Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth of York • Charles Waterton’s extraordinary 19th century Natural History collections • Rare surviving medieval and 17th century church vestments
MUSEUM OPENING DATES:
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s school reports • Objects connected with the Gunpowder Plot • Baroque silver and artworks by Durer and Rembrandt • Joe Jackman’s WW2 Victoria Cross • Three historic libraries with books dating from 1471
Information: • £6.00 entry. Children aged 5-18 years £3.00. Under 5s free. • No pre-booking is required. • Free Children’s Museum Activity Sheet (July dates onwards).
Please note that Stonyhurst is a Grade I listed building with limited disabled access. The Museum and tour route incorporate access to different levels with limited seating available. Please contact us for more information or to discuss specific requirements.
Friday 31st July & Saturday 1st August Friday 7th & Saturday 8th August Friday 14th & Saturday 15th August Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd August Friday 18th & Saturday 19th December 10am-4pm daily Last entries 3pm
Every item in the Collections and Historic Libraries tells a story; to teach, to intrigue, and to provoke searching questions about our past and the present world we inhabit. Dr Jan Graffius, Curator
Guided Tours of the College
How to find us
Accompanied by our dedicated tour guides, join us for a tour of the College and learn more about Stonyhurst’s fascinating history.
By Road Stonyhurst College is located near the village of Hurst Green, half an hour’s drive from Preston.
Visit the College’s Great Hall, exhibiting portraits of seven former pupils awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross. See the table Oliver Cromwell slept on the night before the famous Battle of Preston, and stand before the school desk once inscribed by former pupil, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes.
M6 From the South: Leave at Junction 31 and follow signs for Clitheroe, then Whalley and Hurst Green (B6243); From the North: Leave at Junction 32 and follow B5269 to Longridge and Hurst Green.
Tours of the College can be arranged for group bookings numbering 15 visitors or more. Availability is limited to the school holidays.
M62 Leave at Junction 18 and follow M66, A56 and A6068 to Padiham, A671 to Whalley, B6246 to Great Mitton and B6243 to Hurst Green.
Each guided tour runs for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, followed by access to the Museum. Please allow enough time at the end of the tour to enjoy the Museum and Stonyhurst Collections.
By Rail The most convenient railway station for Stonyhurst is Preston, some 13 miles away from the College, and just over 2 hours from London Euston and 3 hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Prices • Adult £12.50 • Child (under 12) £8.00
Private Tours of the Collections
Group requests for tailored tours have included:
Led by the Curatorial Team, this exclusive private experience offers the opportunity to view some of the College’s fascinating collections in greater depth.
• Medieval Art History (vestments, sculpture, paintings)
Private tours of the Collections are available throughout the year, subject to availability.
• Stonyhurst’s Portraiture and Prints
Please note, that with due notice, tours can be tailored to specific interests.
• English Recusancy and the Reformation
Prices
• Natural History, Scientific and Astronomical Exhibits
• £20.00 per person. Maximum group number of 15.
• Tim Hetherington’s award-winning war photographs of Afghanistan in 2007
• Ecclesiastical Decorative Arts (vestments, plate, sculpture, stained glass) • Architecture and Historic Interiors • Early Printed and Rare Books
Volunteer Opportunities: To become a volunteer on Open Days please apply via the website at enterprises.stonyhurst.ac.uk/museum-volunteer
To Book: Please contact a member of the Events Team on 01254 827014 or email enterprises@stonyhurst.ac.uk
LDS