Wardown Park Museum, Independent museum in Wardown Park, Luton, England
Wardown Park Museum is an independent museum housed in a Victorian mansion with galleries focused on local history. The rooms display period furniture and decorative objects from the 1800s, alongside a substantial collection of roughly 700 hats and headwear items from different eras.
The building was constructed in the early 1900s and served as a military hospital during World War I. After the conflict, it was transformed into a museum in 1930 and has been managed by Luton Council since then.
The hat collection reflects Luton's role as a major center for hat manufacturing, an industry that shaped the town's economy and character for many decades. These pieces show how deeply this craft was woven into local life and identity.
The museum is fully accessible with ground floor lifts and designated parking spaces available for visitors. A café within the building offers refreshments throughout the day, providing a comfortable spot to rest between viewing the galleries.
The museum holds the Wenlock Jug, a rare English bronze vessel from the 15th century valued at roughly 750,000 pounds. This exceptional artifact is one of the most valuable pieces in the entire collection and draws visitors interested in medieval craftsmanship.
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