Knutsford Heritage Centre

Knutsford Heritage Centre is housed in a reconstructed 17th century timber framed building which is often referred to as The Old Smithy. Evidence of its previous existence as a blacksmith is clear; with a forge, anvil and wonderfully preserved set of bellows all on display.

Once no longer able to run as a blacksmiths, the site has been sadly left to ruin over the years but in 1988, The Groundwork Trust invested £100,000 to renovate and develop the area into what in now The Heritage Centre.

Working as an independent charity, The Heritage Centre continues to grow and develop to this day, always aiming to “protect, present and promote Knutsford’s rich and diverse heritage for the benefits of its residents and visitors”. With a full range of exhibitions scheduled throughout the year including Northern Potters Association, Mallory & Irvine Mount Everest Exhibition and a Christmas market.

Walking Tours

Three spectacular walking tours accompanied by knowledgeable tour guides start from the Heritage Centre.

Cranford: Travel back in time and view the childhood home of Elizabeth Gaskell and see the homes of many real Knutsford characters that may have inspired the Cranford ladies.

People and Places: The tours take you on a journey around Knutsford discovering some of its great historical characters. Learn about Kings, highwaymen, architects and authors.

Knutsford Buildings North and South: two tours that cover some of the 100 listed buildings ranging from the 17th century to the present day.

Tapestry

The Knutsford Millennium Tapestry was created between 1997 and 2001 to celebrate Knutsford in the Millennium year. This community projects details all walks of life in Knutsford and is the work of over 3,000 members of the local community. Each road, street and lane can be seen on the tapestry along with over 500 everyday scenes.

Admission to the centre is FREE and open all year round. Tours need to be booked in advance or every Friday at 2pm during the summer, simply turn up and go. Tours are £5 per person and group booking discount applies.

EVENTS IN 2011

- Summer Activities for Children / Saturday 23rd July - Sunday 4th September 2011

- Northern Potters Association Pottery and Ceramics Exhibition / Tuesday 9th August - Sunday 4th September 2011

- North Cheshire Guild Spinners, Weavers & Dyers Exhibition / Tuesday 6th September - Saturday 24th September 2011

- Mallory & Irvine Mount Everest Exhibition / Tuesday 4th October - Saturday 29th October 2011

- Cheshire Guild of Wood Turners / Tuesday 8th November - Saturday 19th November 2011

- Christmas Market / dates tbc 2011