A message from the chairman

Kent History is varied and rich. Everything is there to explore from pre-history right up to the tumultuous times of the 20th century.
The Kent coast enjoys a fantastic heritage and the richest font of Kent History is the Isle of Thanet which is said by some to be The Birthplace of England.
Crampton Tower Museum, situated in Thanet, celebrates local history in a specialist gallery focused on its home town of Broadstairs. However as Broadstairs is only a part of our glorious isle the whole of Thanet is embraced by our team of historians.
Crampton Tower Museum is also the administrative hub of The Kent Greeters. Volunteer friends who cannot wait to welcome interested visitors to the place that they cherish.
Crampton Tower and The Kent Greeters could be your introduction to the wonderful world of Kent History.
We look forward to meeting you and don't forget to allow several days for your visit, there is so much to see!

Peter Shaw
Chairman

Welcome to the Crampton Tower Museum web site. This fascinating small museum is partly housed in a flint tower adjacent to the Broadstairs Railway Station. The tower formed part of the first Broadstairs public water supply and was put in repair by Thanet District Council.

Thomas Russel Crampton is perhaps chiefly remembered as a designer of locomotives and of railways, but he was also concerned with gas, water works and the submarine telegraph cable. He was the first to succeed in laying an effective telegraph cable under the English Channel.

The museum contains Crampton working drawings, models, graphics, patents, awards and artifacts connected to his life and works. Other galleries illustrate the history and development of the railways, the electric tramways, road transport and other aspects of local industry. The original Broadstairs stage coach built in 1860 is displayed alongside seven working model railways in guages N,OO,O and Gauge One. The Broadstairs Gallery was introduced in 2006 which is focused on the development of the town of Broadstairs illustrated in old postcards and photographs. New this year is a 5inch guage miniature railway on the museum site that children can ride on (weather permitting). This and other interactive displays make for an informative and entertaining visit for all whether they be serious researchers or families with children. Historic Town Tours hosted by the museum take place every Saturday at 2pm Throughout the year.

The Museum is open from the third saturday in March
until the last day of October. Opening hours: 2.00pm to 5pm. Opening can be arranged out of season and outside of normal hours for groups by prior arrangement. There is a small admission charge.

The Crampton Tower Museum wish to thank Thanet District Council and Broadstairs & St. Peter's Parish Town Council for their ongoing and invaluable support.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Museum is to stay open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm until 4pm throughout the Winter.
After 7day a week opening ceases on the 31st October 2008, weekend opening will continue until next season starts on the 14th March 2009 when full opening will resume.