The Willis Museum

Discover Basingstoke and Deane's rich archaeological heritage including the unusual Iron Age burial found at Viables, the Roman burial from Winklebury and reconstructions of nationally important Saxon buildings at Cowderys Down.

The gallery also features objects which give an insight into some of the subjects that fascinated Mr Willis and generations of local people. The clocks, watches and tools were acquired by Mr Willis during his career as a clock maker and jeweller. Many objects of great local significance, were given to the Museum during his time as Curator. The archaeological material was found by Mr Willis and his companions during their field walking and excavations in the Basingstoke area: he was a keen archaeologist.

School visits to the Willis Museum

We are currently developing an exciting new range of sessions for schools at the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery to support the changes to the National Curriculum.

All sessions last 2 hours unless otherwise stated, are facilitated by a specially trained member of our team and are for one class.

Session cost £52 (£26 per hour).

Discovering the Egyptians – Key Stage 2

Discovering the Egyptians sees children working as Egyptologists, planning an expedition to Egypt and studying life in the past by examining real Egyptian artefacts and learning about mummification.

Basingstoke’s Victorian Past – Key Stage 2

Basingstoke’s Victorian Past uses a range of historic sources to help children use investigative skills and build a picture of the town in the past.

Top of Town Tour - Key Stage 1 and 2

Top of Town Tour gives children a chance to explore the town and the changes it has experienced over time.

Basingstoke in World War II - Key Stage 2

Basingstoke in WWII sees children finding out about the 1940 air raids and the impact on the town’s daily life, through photos, artefacts and documents.

Art and Design Over Time – Key Stage 1 and  2

Art and Design Over Time lets KS1 young creatives explore art and design in everyday life, finding similarities and differences in familiar objects like ornaments, wallpaper and crockery across the decades in the displays, room sets and activities. The KS2 version increases children’s awareness of different types of art and design using the displays, temporary exhibitions in the Sainsbury Gallery and hands-on activities.