Much Wenlock Museum

The starting line for the modern Olympic games.


The small town of Much Wenlock is an unlikely place to search for the origins of the modern Olympic games, yet here in 1850 Dr. William Penny Brooks founded the Wenlock Olympian Society and the town's annual Olympian games. At the museum you can discover more about this remarkable story.


Wenlock Edge and the evolution of modern geology


It is hard to believe that Much Wenlock was once under a tropical sea. However, 430 million years ago the warm waters here were home to exotic prehistoric sea creatures. The rocks containing their fossilised remains played a key role in the earth's distant past. At the museum you can explore how Wenlock Edge was formed and see many of the fossils found in the local rocks.


In the shadow of the White Priory


The town of Much Wenlock grew up as tradesmen came to provide goods and services to the monastery. By the late medieval period, Much Wenlock was a bustling, prosperous market town. However, the origins of Much Wenlock go back further with Roman and prehistoric finds being uncovered in and around the town. At the museum you can see some of the discoveries.


Landscape of Inspiration


Much Wenlock has been the inspiration for, and even home to many great writers, composers and poets. Find out about Mary Webb and how Much Wenlock influenced her writing.


SUNDAY OPENING - JUNE JULY AUGUST ONLY