Much Hadham Forge Museum
With a National Art Pass you get
Explore a working 19th century forge and learn about the role of the village blacksmith at Much Hadham Forge Museum in Hertfordshire.
Set in a Grade II listed farmhouse and blacksmith's forge in the pretty village of Much Hadham, this living museum gives an insight into the craft of the blacksmith with a collection of tools and items made or repaired at the smithy. There are also displays about the history of the local area.
Wall paintings
Inside one of the rooms at Forge Cottage you will find unique Tudor wall paintings of international interest, illustrating details of Tudor fashion and social status. The paintings feature Queen Elizabeth I portrayed in the scene of the Judgement of Solomon, as well as her Royal Arms and the Newce family arms.
The Page family
The Page family ran the village smithy until 1983 and their collection of artefacts on display includes domestic and personal items from the home which now houses the museum. Temporary art exhibitions are displayed in the Jean Page Room, named after the last member of the family to live there and who transferred the forge and its two cottages to the Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust in 1988.
Much Hadham Forge Museum is a pleasant, cycling and dog friendly destination, especially for those interested in Tudor history and the smithing process. The museum and cafe are wheelchair accessible and an Induction Loop system is installed in the exhibition area.
Visitor information
Address
High Street, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, SG10 6BS
Opening times
We are open April – mid December
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
11.00am – 5.00pm (dusk in winter)
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.