A Tale of Two Museums
- Granny Bonnet
- May 17
- 3 min read

Norwich in Norfolk, is renowned for its many medieval churches. It also has a fair number of museums that cover many aspects of its history. What people probably do not realise is that a few miles beyond the city there are two noteable museums in one small area, The Forncetts, so it is entirely possible to do two vastly different visits in one day, amazing!
I will begin with what is a real gem for lovers of Great Britain's steam heritage. Forncett Industrial Steam Museum is a collection of static engines from the days when these monsters powered the industrial revolution. Often running continuously for years at a time, they generated goods, services and previously undreamed of wealth and opportunity for individuals and country.
Tucked away, in its attractive, purpose-built home down an incongruous Norfolk country lane, is one such engine. This neat, relatively small relic of our industrial age, ran without stopping for 27 years in the Sarson’s vinegar factory. Now, in this truly rural setting, we are able to witness its smooth and almost noiseless movement in this fascinating yet intimate place. Here, it in turn is dwarfed by one of the massive engines that raised and lowered Tower Bridge before its electrification. That again is cut down to size by the two truly enormous beam engines, one resplendent in scarlet, the other in green that chug away on steam-up days.


It is a joy to listen to Dr. Rowan Francis relate the history of his collection which began by chance when he was a medical student, back in the days when these testaments to British craftsmanship were being disposed of in the name of progress. His stories are at once serious, hilarious and inspiring. Lucky enough to have space to expand into his grandfather’s vegetable plot, on one occasion he left his NHS post and took himself abroad to earn better money, solely to pay for buildings to house his growing acquisitions.
While for the most part the engines are static, there are steam-up days when they ‘perform’ and where you can bask in the gentle pulsating smells of warm oil and the hiss of steam. There is one exhibit however which leaves the grounds for a gentle trundle down the lane in Forncett St. Mary, and that is a rare Soame Steam Cart. Enjoy the ride!
*Do check opening times, special steaming days and special events.
Phone: 01508 488277
Directions: 10 miles south of Norwich in the village of Forncett St Mary, Norfolk, England,
NR16 1JJ.
Brown tourist signs will direct you from the A140 at Long Stratton (3 miles) or the B1113 at Tacolneston (2 miles).
Ample car parking on site, disabled access and wheelchair accessible toilets.
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A quite different aspect of heavy engineering is to be found only about two miles from the industrial engines. This is Norfolk Tank Museum, Forncett St. Peter. This growing collection preserves tanks and other paraphernalia associated with the armed forces.
The collection of around 30 vehicles, weapons and militaria, is mainly from the 20th Century and the Cold War Period. The tanks and armoured cars are maintained in a working condition with full access to a Mk IV, Saladin and Chieftain tank where you can climb aboard to experience the confined conditions the soldiers worked in.

Star of the TV documentary ‘Guy Martin’s WWI Tank’ is the replica Mk IV tank, Deborah II which is on display along with artillery, uniforms and an extensive collection of British small arms.

Email: infor@norfolktankmuseum.co.uk for news of special events such as dances or the very popular Amourfest which is held over a weekend in August. This is a recreated battle with plenty of noise, smoke and explosions!
Directions: 10 Miles south of Norwich in the village of Forncett St. Peter,
Norfolk, England N16 1HZ
Ample car parking on site, disabled access and wheelchair accessible toilets.
Phone: 07703337714
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