Ribchester Museum

Ribchester Museum was an idea conceived by Margaret Greenall, who was originally from Warrington and a member of the famous brewing family. Her objective was clear - to stem the flow of artefacts out of the village that had occurred ever since Ribchester was recognised as a site of special historic interest. Miss Greenall opened The Ribchester Museum of Roman Antiquities in 1915.

When the original Museum opened, there was just one room, until a temporary prefabricated extension was opened in the 1960s. This annexe increased the Museum's storage area and allowed more space for displays, which was suffice, until the 1980s when its condition had seriously deteriorated. A plan to rectify this was developed and by 1990 the Museum had been completely revamped. A new two-story extension to the rear was built which connected the Museum to the adjoining cottage. The cottage was previously the incumbent curator's residence, and the decision was made to incorporate it into the Museum. These developments were undertaken under the auspices of Ribchester Museum Trust, which had been formed from the Museum committee following the National Trust's decision to relinquish the property after almost seventy years of ownership.

The Museum reopened in 2001, after under going the most ambitious redevelopment scheme in its history. Using funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, European funding and grants assistance from other supportive organisations, it was extended once more, this time incorporating the adjacent building which was vacant, adding a new wing which was opposite the original Museum. The permanent exhibition was replaced by striking, informative and modern displays, which included displaying the most interesting objects from the 1989 excavation in St Wilfrid's Graveyard for the first time. Behind the scenes facilities were improved and access and education issues were addressed.

The Museum celebrated it's Centenary year in 2014, which saw the return of the Ribchester Helmet on loan from the British Museum and the unveiling of a new interactive 3D model of the fort and vicus which allows visitors to explore a reconstructed fort, bathhouse and neighbouring settlement.