Mersea Museum on the Essex Coast
An independent museum established in 1976 and occupying purpose-built premises that have been steadily expanded. We are in the centre of West Mersea, just to the east of the Parish Church. The traditional local activities of fishing, oystering, wild fowling and boat building are represented. 2,000 year old contents of Mersea Barrow. The exhibition in the main hall is new each year and features a number of different displays.
Computers in the Resource Centre can be used to access over 50,000 images, slideshows, articles, parish records, local census contents, audio files, video.
Children are welcome, with puzzles and quizzes available.

The Museum is closed until further notice - but we are still active online
2021 It seems unlikely that we can open on 1st May as usual but we are hoping that we will be able to
open to visitors a little later, in a way that meets the rules at the time.
See Exhibitions for some topics.

There are new or updated articles online - newest first ...

- Peldon Hostel Post-War - the Polish
- Typhoon aircraft down in River Blackwater Mar 1944, salvaged 1971
- Restoration of St Mary the Virgin, Peldon
- Hugh Green - 19th Century West Mersea Doctor and Surgeon
- Beach Caretaker & Scavenging Contract 1924
- Church Seating for the Poor
- Reopening of West Mersea Church after restoration 1882
- West Mersea Brickworks
- Peldon and the Mayors of Colchester
- Recollections of the Village Blacksmith
- Unmade Roads - West Mersea
- Ron Green - a Mersea Builder
- Walter Hewes killed 20 July 1916 - updated article
- Mersea Water Mersea Life article
- Peldon Tug of War Team

See More from this List ...

Mersea Archive Research Group (MARG)
MARG is working to transcribe old documents from Mersea and the surrounding area.
List of transcribed documents
 

History
If you are interested in local history, there is much on this website. See HISTORY.
View the latest IMAGES added to the site
or read the most recent Articles and Documents

Where to find us: Mersea Island is on the Essex coast, about 9 miles south of Colchester on the B1025.
The museum is in West Mersea - follow the main road through the village to the High Street and down as far as the parish church. Turn left in front of the church to reach the entrance gates of the museum.
Show local map or Link to Google maps (in a new window).
If you come on the bus (63, 67 or 68 from Colchester), the museum is a short walk straight ahead from the terminus.

Collections: Local history, social history, natural history and geology, local photographs, oral history, family history, parish records, marine, John Leather Memorial Collection, engineering and costume.

Facilities: Activities for children, Audio Guides, Disabled Access, Disabled Parking, Shop

Shop: The Museum Shop has a varied selection of books, postcards, souvenirs and mementos.

Helping the Museum: You can help Mersea Museum by becoming a member, volunteering, joining the 100 Club or just by a Donation.
See About Us for more information.