Museum of Technology the History of Gadgets & Gizmos
Museum of Technology the History of Gadgets & Gizmos
Museum of Technology the History of Gadgets & Gizmos
5
About
The Museum spans that very small period in history from 1830 - 1980 in which the technological revolution took place. The collection traces the progress of electronic and engineered artefacts including telegraphy, telephony, audio, military and civil communications, warfare, photography, scientific and electrical domestic equipment. Many items can be demonstrated including an A & B Telephone and a new exhibit to demonstrate a Military Pedal/Hand Generator. It was used for charging batteries. It has been wired up to a light bulb which can be switched on and off to show how much energy is needed to light the bulb. Kids love to “have a go” so we think this new exhibit will bring a lot of pleasure to both young and old.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Kathryn K
Bradford, England, United Kingdom5 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Visited today, what a wonderful place. we had no trouble finding it with the SAT NAV. Full of treasures which shows how technology started to get us where we are today. Really interesting WW1 and WW2 exhibits too. The volunteers were really lovely and very knowledgeable. There is also a toilet and refreshments with seating. Well worth a visit, and very reasonably priced. Definitely recommend.
Written May 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin C
Biggleswade60 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
I had been waiting eagerly for this place to open - having followed it's progress online since 2009 and recognising some of the exhibits on the website - so I knew that it was "right up my street"!
Today I finally got there, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. There is so much stuff to see, some of it working, including many things I remembered seeing, and working on, years ago. All presented beautifully, and with great enthusiasm, by Rosemary and Trevor, who started it up from scratch.
With technology, you only have to go back 100 years for things to be completely different. I think for young people who visit, it will remind them that today's "State of the Art" gadget is tomorrow's museum piece; just look at the mobile phones from the Eighties! I remember how much I wanted one, too.......!
The Militaria section also was well displayed, and had some things I had never seen before, even though we have been to many military museums. I will just pick out two. In the corner, there is what looks like a small present-day home exercise bike - but it's real purpose was to generate emergency power on board a naval vessel, if all else failed. It must also have kept the sailors fit though! And in the display, there is a device for protecting babies from a poison gas attack. Thank goodness the attacks never came; but it was dangerous enough just in itself.
Even if you are not into gadgets, and one phone looks the same to you as another, you couldn't fail to be impressed with the beauty of some of the displays here, and it is a nice place for a visit. You can get a cup of tea (personally made for you), and there is a nice outside picnic area for the summer. And it really isn't that remote - about a quarter of an hour from Peterborough via the A47 and some lanes. Just watch the road and don't go too fast on the last bit!
Colin and Christine
Today I finally got there, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. There is so much stuff to see, some of it working, including many things I remembered seeing, and working on, years ago. All presented beautifully, and with great enthusiasm, by Rosemary and Trevor, who started it up from scratch.
With technology, you only have to go back 100 years for things to be completely different. I think for young people who visit, it will remind them that today's "State of the Art" gadget is tomorrow's museum piece; just look at the mobile phones from the Eighties! I remember how much I wanted one, too.......!
The Militaria section also was well displayed, and had some things I had never seen before, even though we have been to many military museums. I will just pick out two. In the corner, there is what looks like a small present-day home exercise bike - but it's real purpose was to generate emergency power on board a naval vessel, if all else failed. It must also have kept the sailors fit though! And in the display, there is a device for protecting babies from a poison gas attack. Thank goodness the attacks never came; but it was dangerous enough just in itself.
Even if you are not into gadgets, and one phone looks the same to you as another, you couldn't fail to be impressed with the beauty of some of the displays here, and it is a nice place for a visit. You can get a cup of tea (personally made for you), and there is a nice outside picnic area for the summer. And it really isn't that remote - about a quarter of an hour from Peterborough via the A47 and some lanes. Just watch the road and don't go too fast on the last bit!
Colin and Christine
Written October 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken C
Boston, UK1,528 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
This independent museum rivals the best, and it's still growing. I went to the 'Think Tank' in Birmingham once and came away underwhelmed. No chance of that here!
As it is the “Museum of Technology” it is appropriate to say that visitors might well need 'new' technology in the form of SatNav to arrive. I wasn't travelling far, but unmarked country roads and lanes would have seen me lost.
Once here I was immediately taken with the professionalism of the two Curators whose 'child' it is. The building is no rustic barn full of dusty relics. Inside are three rooms of displays covering over 100 years of technological advance. Most of the items are behind glass but there are quite a number of items which visitors can get very close to.
Thinking of technology put me in mind of radio, television and telephones. These feature quite prominently, but it is a sad fact that technology is often driven by war or the threat of war.
I hadn't considered weaponry as technology, but a display of militaria from before World War One and up to the 1950s convinced me otherwise. 'Needs must when the devil drives' and so I was able to look at rifles, machine guns, grenades, mines and more (all hopefully deactivated!) as well as counter measures such as gas masks, first aid etc. There are a number of uniformed manikins to provide context.
There is a fascinating display of Valves, those glass things that used to give life to TVs and Radios etc, and that also linked with Radar, x-rays and other things we take for granted.
In a room at the opposite end of the museum there are cabinets and displays covering a whole range of domestic, pleasure and work-related 'gadgets and gizmos' (to borrow a phrase from the museum's leaflet.) What is striking is how cumbersome many of these were and how over the years they have been miniaturised because of transistors, micro-chips and other wizardry.
As I walked round I saw numerous things that I'd been told about by my father from his service in the Royal Marines which spanned the years of World War Two. Also from my early 1950's childhood, there were household items that I or someone I knew had actual experience of. By the late 1960's I was in the world of work and again there were things that I had used, or that were quite like things I had used. I had never used a clocking-in machine until my last job before retirement. There is one here and in due course I expect there will be an example of it's replacement...an electronic palm and fingerprint reader. We're all unique in this respect and this registers arrival and departure which unlike the clocking-in machine here, cannot be done for you by someone else!
Most of the items on display are behind glass or marked "Please Do Not Touch". However, some displays are functioning and the Curators are happy to demonstrate them.
I was able to have quite a chat with the two Curators who are both very knowledgable and very happy to talk about their 'journey so far'. What an interesting and complex one it has been.
The museum closes over the winter months (check their website or Facebook page) but I understand that the 'downtime' will be used to set up further displays, as if the museum isn't good enough as it is.
I have only managed to scratch the surface here. There is much more to see than I have covered. It is very well worth a visit. Bring the younger family members too so they can see TV's that only broadcast in black & white, that mobile phones weren't that mobile and that the thing in the corner that looks like an exercise cycle is in fact a pedal generator, an emergency source of power used in World War Two! I'd never heard of it either.
As it is the “Museum of Technology” it is appropriate to say that visitors might well need 'new' technology in the form of SatNav to arrive. I wasn't travelling far, but unmarked country roads and lanes would have seen me lost.
Once here I was immediately taken with the professionalism of the two Curators whose 'child' it is. The building is no rustic barn full of dusty relics. Inside are three rooms of displays covering over 100 years of technological advance. Most of the items are behind glass but there are quite a number of items which visitors can get very close to.
Thinking of technology put me in mind of radio, television and telephones. These feature quite prominently, but it is a sad fact that technology is often driven by war or the threat of war.
I hadn't considered weaponry as technology, but a display of militaria from before World War One and up to the 1950s convinced me otherwise. 'Needs must when the devil drives' and so I was able to look at rifles, machine guns, grenades, mines and more (all hopefully deactivated!) as well as counter measures such as gas masks, first aid etc. There are a number of uniformed manikins to provide context.
There is a fascinating display of Valves, those glass things that used to give life to TVs and Radios etc, and that also linked with Radar, x-rays and other things we take for granted.
In a room at the opposite end of the museum there are cabinets and displays covering a whole range of domestic, pleasure and work-related 'gadgets and gizmos' (to borrow a phrase from the museum's leaflet.) What is striking is how cumbersome many of these were and how over the years they have been miniaturised because of transistors, micro-chips and other wizardry.
As I walked round I saw numerous things that I'd been told about by my father from his service in the Royal Marines which spanned the years of World War Two. Also from my early 1950's childhood, there were household items that I or someone I knew had actual experience of. By the late 1960's I was in the world of work and again there were things that I had used, or that were quite like things I had used. I had never used a clocking-in machine until my last job before retirement. There is one here and in due course I expect there will be an example of it's replacement...an electronic palm and fingerprint reader. We're all unique in this respect and this registers arrival and departure which unlike the clocking-in machine here, cannot be done for you by someone else!
Most of the items on display are behind glass or marked "Please Do Not Touch". However, some displays are functioning and the Curators are happy to demonstrate them.
I was able to have quite a chat with the two Curators who are both very knowledgable and very happy to talk about their 'journey so far'. What an interesting and complex one it has been.
The museum closes over the winter months (check their website or Facebook page) but I understand that the 'downtime' will be used to set up further displays, as if the museum isn't good enough as it is.
I have only managed to scratch the surface here. There is much more to see than I have covered. It is very well worth a visit. Bring the younger family members too so they can see TV's that only broadcast in black & white, that mobile phones weren't that mobile and that the thing in the corner that looks like an exercise cycle is in fact a pedal generator, an emergency source of power used in World War Two! I'd never heard of it either.
Written October 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger N
March, England, United Kingdom50 contributions
Sep 2016
I had a fascinating visit to the Museum of Technology, the History of Gadgets and Gizmos at Throckenholt. A labour of love by the owners, with beautiful displays of old telephones, radios and all sorts of other techy devices. No inter active touch screen displays, just original artifacts, well labelled and displayed, as a proper museum should be! Brought back loads of memories
Written September 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brunnian
Lincolnshire94 contributions
Jun 2023
I am acustomed to mild dissapointment at musuems in Lincolnshire, but this is an exception, and an exception in very large level
The collection is extensive, well displayed, and superbly curated. Many of the exhibits can be seen working, on request.
This is the life's work of an enthusiastic couple and an outstanding achievement. I recommend it as a superb place to visit.
The collection is extensive, well displayed, and superbly curated. Many of the exhibits can be seen working, on request.
This is the life's work of an enthusiastic couple and an outstanding achievement. I recommend it as a superb place to visit.
Written June 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian N
Radwell, UK11 contributions
Sep 2019
We booked the Museum's meeting room for our development team meeting as we wanted somewhere more interesting than your normal shared meeting space or hotel.
It couldn't have been more perfect, the meeting room itself had everything we needed including a projector, lunch and refreshments was arranged for us and we had the museum to explore during lunch and breaks.
The museum may be compact but there is a lot to see and the passion of both Rossie and Trevor was evident in how the collection is displayed and the pleasure show in demonstrating the various historic gadgets to the team.
Lastly in terms of value for money the venue cost the same or less than your average corporate venue and a huge amount less than other museum style venues for a group of 10 or so.
It couldn't have been more perfect, the meeting room itself had everything we needed including a projector, lunch and refreshments was arranged for us and we had the museum to explore during lunch and breaks.
The museum may be compact but there is a lot to see and the passion of both Rossie and Trevor was evident in how the collection is displayed and the pleasure show in demonstrating the various historic gadgets to the team.
Lastly in terms of value for money the venue cost the same or less than your average corporate venue and a huge amount less than other museum style venues for a group of 10 or so.
Written September 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Brian for your kind words, it was a pleasure to welcome you to our museum, glad we came up to your expectations.
Written September 30, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andy F
Bournemouth, UK42 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
This museum is basically the combination of two people's fascination and collecting of militaria and technology. I'm mostly interested in the technology, having worked with it, but all the exhibits are presented in what I can only describe as a high quality way. The exhibits, and how they are presented, are of a standard normally seen in national museums and as far as the 'gadgets' are concerned this place gives the Science Museum a run for its money.
To mention just a few things ... functioning strowger telephone switches, valve radios with a 'mellow tone', tape recorders you haven't seen since the 70s, a wide-ranging set of thermionic valves, gramophones, wire recorders, clockwork ciné cameras, rifles, sub-machine guns, military radio sets, hair driers, telex machines ...
If you have questions, the husband and wife owners will probably be on hand to advise and discuss and demonstrate. You can also get a cup of tea and there is a car park.
To mention just a few things ... functioning strowger telephone switches, valve radios with a 'mellow tone', tape recorders you haven't seen since the 70s, a wide-ranging set of thermionic valves, gramophones, wire recorders, clockwork ciné cameras, rifles, sub-machine guns, military radio sets, hair driers, telex machines ...
If you have questions, the husband and wife owners will probably be on hand to advise and discuss and demonstrate. You can also get a cup of tea and there is a car park.
Written September 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks Andy for your kind comments, so glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written September 16, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yvette W
Huntingdon, UK10 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
This new museum (it only opened last year) is a real gem.
From the moment you walk in, you get a friendly welcome.
The couple who built the museum and have gathered the majority of the collection over the years, are very knowledgeable and are happy to talk about the museum, the collection and also demonstrate some of the items.
It is a real step back in time, lovingly and well put together.
There is a small kitchen area where you can purchase a freshly made cup of tea or coffee and drink it whilst sitting and looking at some of the exhibits.
The collection is carefully set out in different areas of interest.
This is a museum for all ages, the 'older' generation to revive memories, the younger generation to teach them how things have moved on and how things that they think are 'new' technology, were often invented and around years ago....check out the selfie stick, on display in the entrance area, from the 1970's !!!
If you want to visit as a group the owners are happy to open in the evenings if pre-arranged.
A very personal service from a lovely couple and a fabulous museum, so glad we found it.
From the moment you walk in, you get a friendly welcome.
The couple who built the museum and have gathered the majority of the collection over the years, are very knowledgeable and are happy to talk about the museum, the collection and also demonstrate some of the items.
It is a real step back in time, lovingly and well put together.
There is a small kitchen area where you can purchase a freshly made cup of tea or coffee and drink it whilst sitting and looking at some of the exhibits.
The collection is carefully set out in different areas of interest.
This is a museum for all ages, the 'older' generation to revive memories, the younger generation to teach them how things have moved on and how things that they think are 'new' technology, were often invented and around years ago....check out the selfie stick, on display in the entrance area, from the 1970's !!!
If you want to visit as a group the owners are happy to open in the evenings if pre-arranged.
A very personal service from a lovely couple and a fabulous museum, so glad we found it.
Written May 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger C
Mareham le Fen, UK18 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
If you are of a certain age you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to this museum.
You can soak up all the nostalgia you want and certainly not be disappointed with the range and eclectic mix of artifacts on display.
Good knowledgeable curator who certainly knows his "gadgets and gizmos".
I was only scouting out the museum for a future visit by a U3A Science and Technology group and knowing how many of the members can quite picky when it comes to visits, I'm 100% certain that they shall enjoy their visit in a couple of months time.
You can soak up all the nostalgia you want and certainly not be disappointed with the range and eclectic mix of artifacts on display.
Good knowledgeable curator who certainly knows his "gadgets and gizmos".
I was only scouting out the museum for a future visit by a U3A Science and Technology group and knowing how many of the members can quite picky when it comes to visits, I'm 100% certain that they shall enjoy their visit in a couple of months time.
Written May 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
landlubber66
Felixstowe, UK154 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Made to feel very welcome and interesting and informative talk before tour. Not too large and a wonderful building
Sadly I remembered using lots of the kitchen equipment when I was younger. If I had adverse comment it would be from a women's angle I would have liked to see a few more feminine displays
The men in the group loved all of it..
I admire the vision and commitment of the owners to build a lovely area from a old barn.
The tea/coffee cakes were great.
Sadly I remembered using lots of the kitchen equipment when I was younger. If I had adverse comment it would be from a women's angle I would have liked to see a few more feminine displays
The men in the group loved all of it..
I admire the vision and commitment of the owners to build a lovely area from a old barn.
The tea/coffee cakes were great.
Written March 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello we are interested in coming are you dog friendly ? Thankyou .
Written April 26, 2019
Hi, we are situated in the heart of the countryside with a large car park and picnic facilities, I'm sure if he/she is of good behaviour we can allow him/her to visit. Hope this helps.
Rosie
Written April 26, 2019
Admission £5.00 children £2.50. They do not have card facilities. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Worth every penny. They have a website and a Facebook page for further details. They are generally open Wed-Sat 10.00-4.00 but close over the winter period. It's worth checking by phone to check that they are open when you want to go, as they've had a couple of additional days when they were closed recently.
Written October 2, 2016
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