The Olney Rooms

The Olney Rooms occupy the eastern of the two houses comprising Orchard Side, now known as Gilpin House after Cowper's popular comic poem. Here Cowper's servant lived 'with a thousand rats'. Gilpin House also contains, on the ground floor, the Museum Shop, in a space described by Cowper as 'by far the most superb as well as commodious' room in the whole property. The quality of its decoration, especially the plasterwork, is so much higher than that of the other rooms that it was possibly intended in the early 1700s as a parlour for the two houses: the plan (unrealised) may have been to remodel them as a single large dwelling.

The top floor room (the Lace Room) and the staircase display the history of Lacemaking in Olney and North Buckinghamshire, with many historic early examples of different styles of lace.

The first-floor room (Olney Local History Room) contains rare items of lacemaking equipment, and further selections from the museum's extensive lace collection may be seen in the drawers of the modern display cabinet.

This room also illustrates the history of the town and surrounding villages, with a rich variety of objects from prehistory to the 20th century. Highlights include:

• Local geological specimens, including fossils and coal;
• Dinosaur bones found at nearby Clifton Reynes;
• Roman pottery and coins;
• Relics of the Civil War, some originating from the Battle of Olney Bridge;
• Tools and products of the local boot and shoe industry The contents of an early 20th century pharmacy;
• A display showing the part played by Olney in the Second World War.

The Olney Rooms are a good starting point for anyone wishing to explore the history of the area, and are well adapted to the needs of schools undertaking a Local History Project. The objects shown here are only a part of the collection, however: for those wishing to pursue their research further, there are extensive holdings of local documents, books and photographs kept in the museum Library and storeroom. These may be consulted at any time by appointment - just contact the House Manager on 01234 711516 or by .