Every visit to Oliver Cromwell's House should be a special occasion! We are very keen that you are able to enjoy every part of your visit, and encourage you to pick up and touch items throughout your visit. Feel the weight of the helmets, or touch the home-made soap, pick up the tankards, and try on the clothes. All we ask is that you replace the items carefully, and enjoy the experience. If any of the items are delicate then we will tell you by placing a sign on them. Usually anything you cannot touch will be behind a rope. And because we are an old building, please remember to take care.
To begin your journey through the House, enter the woody aroma in the darkened parlour to see Mrs. Cromwell sewing by the fire, feel the ambience of the old pine panelling, and upon request view the original hidden wall-paintings.
Step into the kitchen where Mrs. Cromwell would have spent many hours preparing her recipes and supervising the maid. Today you can still see a maid, but in Cromwell's time a cutout was placed by the window to let onlookers think there was plenty of staff. A crafty trick to give an impression of wealth! If you stand by the window yourself, you will see the very same view that Cromwell would have seen all those years ago.
Climb the stairs to The Portrait Room, and take some time to watch the video to learn about Cromwell and his family. Enjoy the magnificent portrait of Oliver, painted in the style of Sir Peter Lely, and look for the new addition to our collection, an oak carved statue of Oliver Cromwell. This was kindly donated by Mr and Mrs Yelloly, who have looked after Oliver in their family for many generations.
Enjoy the Civil War exhibition where you will have the chance to try on helmets and costumes, mums and dads too! You will find lots of information about the Cavaliers and Roundheads and see what the Civil Was was really about.
Cromwell is seated in his study, and you will hear what he thought about his family, his work and his home. Take some time in this room to imagine you are Cromwell sitting at his desk. What would you be thinking?
The Haunted Bedroom will tell you the story of Cromwell's death. See if you can see the door where it is thought there may be ghosts to this day. Keep listening to find out what happened to Cromwell after he was buried.
Carefully take the stairs down, and through the lower gallery. Take note of the 13th century doorway, the old pub sign, and make you way into the Tithe Office. In here is a spectacular 15th century window on the left. This room dates back to 1615 and was Oliver Cromwell's office. Can you imagine him here today?
You will have chance to watch the specially commissioned short film 'The Draining of the Fens', in which John Craven guides the viewer through the fascinating history of how the Fens have changed over the years.
Take the door out and return to the Tourist Information Centre, and don't forget to ask the staff any questions you may have.
Remember, we can arrange guided tours, special activities for groups, and themed visits for those with special interests. We work closely alongside the National Curriculum for students or teachers working on associated projects.
Please use our online enquiry form for special events, open evenings or special offers.