Crampton Tower Museum

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Welcome to the Crampton Tower Museum website.

The Crampton Tower Museum is a 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.

There are a wealth of artefects displayed in dedictated galleries including:

  • Thomas Crampton's working drawings, models and graphics

  • The original 1860 Broadstairs stage coach

  • Patents, awards and artifacts connected to Thomas Crampton's life and works

  • Records of the history and development of the railways, electric tramways, road transport and other aspects of local industry

  • 7 working model railways in gauges N,OO,O and Gauge One

The Broadstairs Gallery, introduced in 2006, focuses on the development of the town of Broadstairs, illustrated through vintage postcards and photographs.

New for 2011 is a 5inch gauge miniature railway on the museum site on which children can ride - weather permitting. This and other interactive displays make for an informative and entertaining visit for everyone - from families with children to historians and researchers.

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 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.

Virtual tour

Picture of The Crampton Tower
The Crampton Tower


MUSEUM OPENING TIMES
From November 1st to the third Saturday in March, the museum will be open weekends only
between 1pm and 4pm.
From the third Sunday in March, we open daily from 2pm - 5pm.
Other times are available by appointment.
For further information
Email Crampton Tower

A message from the Chairman:
Kent's History is varied and rich. Everything is here to explore, from the pre-historic 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 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, allow several days for your visit. There is so much to see!

Peter Shaw, Chairman

 

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