A new museum focusing on Kingston’s Saxon past could be built in the centre of Kingston, according to Kingston’s Conservative councillors.
Kingston was the crowning place of the first king of England and Conservative Councillors have revealed plans to build a museum exploring Kingston’s rich history next to All Saints Church.
Andrea Craig, cabinet member for heritage, arts and leisure at Kingston Council told the Kingston Courier: “We’re looking to enhance our museum service and are working closely with the Heritage Lottery Fund to explore how we can tell the fantastic story of Kingston’s history, which could include a new museum. Watch this space!”
“There is a phased approach to the heritage programme that could potentially see the development of the All Saints site to include a museum for the borough’s Kings and Saxons collection, subject to funding being secured.
“As part of the works, the existing Kingston Museum could then be remodelled, offering the opportunity to showcase more of the borough’s collection.”
Council leader Kevin Davis said that as Kingston becomes more diverse it is important not to lose sight of the borough’s history.
He said:”Each part of the borough has a part of the story to tell and our ambition to build a new museum is one that will help mark out Kingston as a place of importance where tourists would discover more of the history of England.”
Kingston’s existing museum will remain open and the council is also exploring ways to enlarge the Muybridge Collection which features work from the world-renowned and Kingston-born photographer Edward Muybridge.
