About Us

About Crawley Museum

Crawley Museum is a local history museum which tells the history of the town through objects and their stories. It has an active programme of events and temporary exhibitions which reflect various aspects of the town and the local area. It also has a learning offer for all ages. Our collections include objects from Crawley prehistory, its medieval settlement, the Victorian town and the 20th Century New Town development. We also collect contemporary objects. We celebrate Crawley’s communities today through our oral history collections, temporary exhibitions and community engagement projects. Items on permanent display include our 1903 Rex Forecar and a Bronze Age sword. We also have a temporary exhibition space. This will host a variety of displays which will change regularly.
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Entry to both museums is free but we welcome donations

About Ifield Watermill

Ifield Watermill is thought to be the only working Watermill in West Sussex still powered by its original water source (the Ifield millpond). There were mills in the area from as early as 1274. Ifield Watermill was in operation from 1660. Rebuilt following a fire in 1683, it continued to operate until the 1920s when it was left to deteriorate. Ted Henbury was alerted to its presence by his son, and together with the local rescue archaeologist John Gibson-Hill set up a restoration group to work on the watermill. Work started on the restoration in 1974, and the watermill now boasts a working waterwheel as well as a renovated building. Restoration work at the mill is ongoing. Ifield Watermill contains a variety of working mechanical instruments which show the use of the Mill. It also houses exhibitions about the history and restoration of the Mill and the history of the local area.

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