The Crystal Palace, originally designed for the 1851 Great Exhibition, will be discussed by lecturer Ian Gledhill on February 25, 2026, highlighting its history and tragic destruction in 1936.

On this day in 1908 this featured photo of the Causeway in Horsham was taken. It shows children having fun in the snow, but that period saw a dramatic drop in temperatures that caused problems for residents. The preceding weeks had been quite mild, but a bitterly cold spell hit most of the country by the end of 1908. This chilly weather didn't let up until the end of the first week of the new year.

On this day in 1914 a terrific storm battered Sussex, with towns reporting thousands of pounds of damage. The 'aviation ground' at Eastbourne suffered £5,000 worth of damage, with windows blown in and tiles lifted off. Many trees were uprooted across the county and it was no different in Horsham. The report at the time stated that the town experienced the most violent storm for many years.

Have you ever heard of the Sussex Carol? Did you know it began its journey to becoming a famous festive song in a farmhouse in Monks Gate, near Horsham? BBC Radio Sussex recently broadcast its investigation into the history behind the carol. Horsham Museum & Art Gallery's Curator Nikki Caxton (pictured being interviewed) is featured in the programme, helping to provide the background to the story.

As everyone gets ready for the festive period we thought it would be interesting to look back at how the people of Horsham faced Christmas 80 years ago! The Second World War was still fresh in everyone's mind as they attempted to get back to a 'normal' life in 1945. At the start of December the Horsham Chamber of Trade announced that there would be no extension of shopping hours, except for Thursday December 20 when shops would be open all day until 5 or 6pm.

Christmas may have changed for many over the decades, but one thing remains the same - every child will be looking forward to a present! Presents in 2025 may look very different to those in our past, but the excitement will be just as intense. In Horsham Museum archives are a variety of old toys from many decades ago right up to this century.

On this day 146 years ago Horsham's most successful athlete was born in Slinfold. His amateur career lasted from 1899 to 1905 by which time has was virtually unbeatable in any distance up to 15 miles. In November 1904 his amateur career culminated in a race at Glasgow when he broke all the amateur records from six to 11 miles, as well as the one hour run record.

As we continue looking at our Adopt an Artefact scheme, run by the Friends of Horsham Museum & Art Gallery, we turn our attention to one of the larger items. In among the dozen artefacts that are available for adopting is an old fire engine - having your name alongside it would be a very different Christmas present! This horse-drawn manual fire engine cost £225.1s.0d when purchased by 548 subscribers and 60 volunteers of the Horsham Voluntary Fire Brigade in 1863 from Shand and Mason, London.

For the month of November Horsham Museum & Art Gallery took part in the Instagram #Museum30 initiative. One of the many interesting posts they came up with was one about a Horsham man who walked 1,000 miles! The Museum holds in its archive the 'Verrall Medal' which recognises this amazing achievement. The story was taken up by Henry Burstow (1826-1916), a shoemaker, bell-ringer and celebrated folk singer, who lived in Horsham.

We continue looking at our Adopt an Artefact scheme, run by the Friends of Horsham Museum & Art Gallery. There are a dozen items to choose from, so how about adopting one or more as unusual Christmas presents? The money raised helps fund important projects at the museum, such as the conservation of our collection and the purchase of important objects.

There will be magic in the air for the Friends' Christmas event on on Wednesday December 3 at 2pm in the Wesley Hall at the Cornerstone Methodist Church, London Road, Horsham. On this occasion, we will be entertained by John Field, an Associate Member of the Inner Magic Circle who has been practising the art for more than 50 years.

Christmas is creeping up closer every day - so how about something a bit different for a festive present? Horsham Museum & Art Gallery has an interesting idea - why not adopt a museum artefact? There are a dozen to choose from. The money raised helps fund important projects at the museum, such as the conservation of our collection and the purchase of important objects.

How about a really unusual present idea for Christmas or even a birthday? Forget socks, towels or a box of chocolates - how about the chance to adopt one of 12 Horsham Museum & Art Gallery objects? Mummified Cat The money raised helps fund important projects at the museum, such as the conservation of our collection and the purchase of important objects.

In the run-up to Christmas we have been looking in detail at the 12 Horsham Museum & Art Gallery artefacts that the public can adopt. You might want to take advantage of this offer as an unusual festive or even birthday present! The money raised helps fund important projects at the museum, such as the conservation of our collection and the purchase of important objects.

Many people will be taking part in Bonfire Night tonight (or on other nights), watching colourful fireworks light up the night sky at various organised and private events. However, imagine Horsham's streets full of people watching a large procession of folk dressed in all manner of costumes, accompanied by carts containing flaming cauldrons and fireworks lighting up the sky, before a massive bonfire is lit in the centre of town!

One hundred and 25 years ago the first UK Emancipation Run took place. Today (November 2) it was celebrated with the latest running of the annual world-famous RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (as it is now known)! We took the short trip to Pease Pottage, a few miles down the road from Horsham, to video some of the vehicles as they passed by.

Our next event is on Wednesday November 12 at 2pm in the Lounge at the Cornerstone Methodist Church, London Road, Horsham. Come and meet Chris Hare, a noted Sussex historian and academic who will explain how Hilaire Belloc affected his personal journey through challenging times. Hilaire Belloc and Chris Hare (inset). Belloc spent his boyhood in Slinfold, and became one of the most accomplished, yet controversial, authors of the early 20th century.