The Museum of Island History will celebrate Heritage Open Days later this month with a special display to mark the Tour of Britain cycle race.
Located in the historic Guildhall on Newport High Street, people can visit the museum for free on Sunday 11th September, from 12:00 to 14:00.
A small display of cycling photographs will be on show alongside the 1885 Springfield cycling trophy, which was won by the Ryde cyclist, W.M.V Webber, in 1885.
Webber won the 10-mile race and triumphed in the 20-mile contest. He was the first person in America to ride 20 miles in less than an hour. The feat was made more impressive as the bikes were Penny Farthings, also known as the Rudge ‘ordinary’ bicycle. Also on display will be the current photographic exhibition of Newport featuring more than 100 photographs of the historic town.
Travelling around the Island could be difficult on 11th September with the final leg of the Tour of Britain cycle race taking place. Therefore, the museum will also be open free of charge on Thursday 15th September, from 10:00 to 13:00.
This event has been funded by a grant from Historic England. The Heritage Service is a delivery partner for the Newport Heritage High Street Action Zone – Cultural Consortium. The aim is to create events and activities which centre around Newport High Street.
Newport Roman Villa will also be open free of charge to celebrate Heritage Open Days on Friday 16th September, from 10:30 until 14:30. The well-preserved remains of this 3rd-century Roman house are worth exploring.
Find out more about Heritage Open Days and what else is open free of charge at www.heritageopendays.org.uk/.
Call me stupid……yawn.
BUT ARN’T MUSEUMS SPOSED TO BE FREE ANYWAY (small donation ect) ?
AND ARN’T MUSEUMS SPOSED TO BE OPEN EVERY ******* DAY ?
or is this just a London thing ?