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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Derbyshire => England => Derbyshire Resources & Offers => Topic started by: MOM OF TWO on Thursday 12 February 09 13:41 GMT (UK)
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Information about the museum suggests they hold items and records about the past lives of people from Pinxton / South Normanton including family history records.
http://www.craxford-family.co.uk/themeteal/jkwm.php
Can anyone write a review of their visit and post latest opening times and days please.
Teresa
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I've just asked a friend (who lives on King St -the older part was named after John King -the newer part after his son) The museum is described by her as being housed in a (kind of)large shed -mainly dedicated to mining history - her husband may have more information (he's out at the mo)- as he has been involved in various research projects in the village -so I may have more information later today or tomorrow
Suz
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Thank you Suzard and friends, I look forward to more comments.
Teresa
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The museum doesn't open until April -and is then open on Sunday afternoons. Admission is free - donation appreciated. It is housed in (what was) John King's workshop. previously it was Arthur kings (John's father) place of residence. John King was b Heanor Derbys and was a lace machine mechanic until the local colliery employed him as a fitter/mechanic. It opened as a museum in 1986.
There is a booklet (written 1970) on sale (about £1) on the life of John King.
The museum houses lots of mining memorabilia , a model of a colliery cage,the King hook, old photographs of local people, and other local history. Regarding family history my friend does not know what is there -as it is a while since he visited and people are donating more records/photographs all the time .
There is also some information re Steven Humble who made alterations to Kings hook and patented it as " Humbles Improved Kings Safety Detatching Hook"
If you decide to visit and/or are looking for specific information, my friend will revisit when it reopens and "check it out" for you
In 1900 there were 10,000 Kings Hooks in use all over the world
Hope this helps
Suz
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Thank you Suzard, That information was just what I was hoping for . I hope to visit when it is open in the spring. My father lives a few miles away.
thank your friends also the offer was very kind.
Teresa
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Will do - my friends will be so pleased their information was of interest to you
Suz