Discover three new displays and a talk from Elmbridge Museum

From the lost world of a Tudor palace and fashion through the ages to a carpenter’s remarkable collection of tools, three new exhibitions from Elmbridge Museum invite you to discover fascinating stories from our local past.

New displays - what’s on and where

Excavating Oatlands Palace at Dittons Library | until 10 May 2027 | opening hours

While not as famous as some of the other royal residences, Oatlands Palace was an important palace in the Tudor period. It was built by King Henry VIII in 1537 for his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves and he married his fifth wife, Cathryn Howard there in 1540. Over the years, subsequent monarchs occupied Oatlands until it was demolished in 1652. 

Little was known about the history of Oatlands Palace before its demolition. In the 1960s, this lost landmark sparked local interest, and the Oatlands Palace Excavation Committee (OPEC) was formed. They conducted a series of archaeological digs between 1968 and 1973, and then again in 1983.

Featuring finds from these excavations, this display highlights the importance of amateur archaeology and provides a unique insight into what life was like at the Palace during the Tudor era.

Find out more about Excavating Oatlands Palace. 

You can also explore Excavating Oatlands online. 

A Life in Tools: Walton Library | until 24 May 2027 | opening hours

What can an old toolbox tell us about someone’s life?

When more than 150 woodworking tools were discovered inside an old tool chest during a store upgrade, they opened a window into the life of one of Walton’s longest serving craftsmen. The tools belonged to William Thomas Hirons (1869-1954), a local carpenter whose working life spanned nearly 70 years. Remarkably, the chest still contained not only his tools, but also his tool bag, sharpening equipment, lock and key, the metal stamps he used to mark his belongings and even 
sawdust! Thanks to photographs and records preserved in our collection, we can piece together the story of the man who used them. 

Find out more about A Life in Tools.

Fashioned From Skin: Elmbridge Civic Centre | until 22 March 2027 | Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 4:30pm

From fur and leather to feathers and wool, animals have played a part in fashion for centuries. Once used for warmth and protection, these materials later became symbols of style and status.

Today, attitudes have changed, with growing interest in animal welfare and alternatives to traditional materials.

Explore items from the Museum’s collection and discover how animal-based clothing and accessories became part of everyday wardrobes, while considering how our relationship with fashion has changed over time.

Find out more about Fashioned From Skin. 

On-going display

You can also visit Making Waves: Celebrating a Century of Weybridge Ladies Amateur Rowing Club at Weybridge Hub Library until January 2027.

New Talk

The History of Walton Bridge | Walton Library | Tuesday 24 November 2026
11.00am - 12.00pm

Discover the fascinating history of the six Walton Bridges, that have spanned the Thames between Walton and Shepperton. It features famous artists and personalities, a dramatic collapse and some surprisingly long-lasting ‘temporary’ bridges.

The talk is by Nick Pollard, curator of Spelthorne Museum, Chairman of Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society,and author of 'The History of Walton Bridge'.

Free to attend but please book at the counter in Walton Library.

Plan your visit

Why not pop in and discover a new side to Elmbridge’s past? With exhibitions at Dittons Library, Walton Library, Weybridge Library Hub and the Elmbridge Civic Centre, there are plenty of stories waiting to be explored.

Find more information about Elmbrige Museum services.