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 40,000 images, slideshows, articles, parish records, local census contents, audio files, video.
Children are welcome, with puzzles and quizzes available.

100 years since the end of World War I
Some images from our collection
Soldiers and Sailors at the Strood

The Museum is now closed and will re-open to visitors 1st May 2019.
Winter Programme
There is a winter programme of events taking place in the Museum.
Coming soon
26 January - Resource Centre and shop open
9 February - Resource Centre and shop open
15 February - Wind and water - a brief history of milling. Illustrated talk by Peter Jones
See Events for details and more events.
If you are interested in local history, there is much on this site. See HISTORY.
View the latest IMAGES added to the site
or read the most recent Articles and Documents

The board walk timbers found in 2017 off Mersea are now in the preservation tank, being prepared for display in the Museum. See In the mud

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.