Moot Hall Museum In Bedfordshire

Opening Times:
April to end of September
Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 1pm-4pm

Address:
Church End, Elstow
Bedford MK42 9XT
Bedfordshire

Phone: 01234 266 889

URL: http://www.bedfordshire.gov.uk/moothall

Type of Museum: Historical

Aside from the John Bunyan Museum itself, there is also another museum in Bedford that features his works, the Moot Hall Museum. The museum is housed inside the Elstow Moot Hall or the Green House, as it was originally known. The Tudor timber-framed hall was constructed in the latter part of the 15th century as a market house that used to store equipment and stalls. It was also used as the venue where disputes among friars were heard.

In the year 1950, Moot Hall was given to the Bedfordshire County Council. In 1951 the Council was charged with the responsibility for the restoration of the structure to its former glory. The restoration was completed in time for the Festival of Britain. Upon its opening the Hall featured various aspects of life in the 17th century.

The museum may be small in size but it contains quite a number of displays. There is the restored structure itself and the items pertaining to the life and works of John Bunyan inside and information on the restoration of the Elstow Abbey. In the meeting room upstairs; visitors get to step back to 300 years ago with the leaded lights highlighting the ancient Abbey and Green. The collection of 17th century furniture, that has been maintained quite well, is lovingly presented on the polished wooden floors inside.