The Yorkshire Museum of Farming Limited is a charitable organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the agricultural heritage of Yorkshire. Located within Murton Park near York, England, the museum occupies a 14-acre site in a rural setting and offers a unique insight into the historical development of farming in the region.

Overview

The museum is the only institution in the district specifically devoted to farming history. It holds an extensive collection of artifacts related to farm mechanization, domestic rural life, and the social history of farming communities in Yorkshire. The collection includes vintage tractors, wagons, farm machinery, historic farm buildings such as a 16th-century farmhouse, thatched barn, and dairy, as well as live farm animals like pigs, cows, and sheep.

Facilities and Exhibitions

Yorkshire Museum of Farming provides a comprehensive journey through a year on the farm, with exhibitions and displays that illustrate the evolution of agricultural practices. The museum also houses the last surviving section of the Derwent Valley Light Railway, with relevant archival materials incorporated into the collection.

In addition to static displays, the site includes the Danelaw Centre for Living History, featuring immersive reconstructions such as a mock Roman fort called Brigantium, a Dark Age village, and Viking-era buildings. These facilities serve as educational resources for school groups and visitors, offering hands-on experiences of historic farming and rural life.

Activities and Events

The museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year centered on rural and farming themes. These include traditional craft demonstrations such as spinning wool, blacksmithing, butter making, and baking bread. Seasonal reenactments and workshops provide interactive and educational family experiences. There are also play areas and spaces for children to engage with the history of farming in an accessible manner.

Status and Recognition

In autumn 2010, the museum achieved full accreditation by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, recognizing its standards in collections care, public engagement, and educational outreach.

Summary

The Yorkshire Museum of Farming Limited plays a vital role in preserving Yorkshire’s agricultural heritage through its extensive collections, living history programs, and community-focused activities. It serves as a significant cultural and educational resource, attracting visitors of all ages to experience and learn about the region’s rural past.

Charity Number: 510900

[1] https://www.murtonpark.co.uk [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkshire_Museum_of_Farming [3] https://whichmuseum.com/museum/yorkshire-museum-of-farming-4366 [4] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186346-d212109-Reviews-Murton_Park-York_North_Yorkshire_England.html [5] https://www.livinghistoryarchive.com/place/yorkshire-museum-of-farming