Expanding beyond a historic cottage row is the only way the story of Dereham's rich history can be told, it has been claimed.

The town's backstory is currently showcased at Bishop Bonner’s Cottage Museum in St Withburga Lane.

But Peter Wade-Martins, the acting chair of Dereham Heritage Trust, said more space was needed to do the town's history justice.

Mr Wade-Martins said: “The issue for Dereham is that while our row of cottages is ideal for displaying cottage life before the arrival of modern conveniences, it is too cramped to present the history and heritage of the town in the way the town richly deserves. 

“Dereham is a market town with a great industrial past, and the story needs to be better presented than we can do at the moment. 

“We believe that this problem can only be solved by the acquisition of more suitable space.”

The museum is located in a 17th Century row of cottages. It is owned and maintained by Dereham Town Council, and is open Fridays and Saturdays from May to September.

The museum was open again last year after two years of Covid-related closure. It welcomed 454 visitors in 2021, which was an increase on its 2019 attendance. 

Its displays depict domestic life in Dereham in the 19th Century. 

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Dereham Times: A Skinner camera manufactured in Dereham, which the Dereham Heritage Trust purchased for its museum A Skinner camera manufactured in Dereham, which the Dereham Heritage Trust purchased for its museum (Image: Trevor Ogden)

The trust has recently brought a Dereham Hundred Tipstave from the time of George III (1760-1820) at auction for £2,358. 

The tipstave was a symbol of authority of office for one of the chief constables of the Mitford Hundred - an old grouping of Norfolk parishes. 

The trust has also bought a Skinner camera, which was manufactured in Dereham, for £500.

The factory, run by J.H. Skinner and Co, was on Church Street in what is now Aldiss Court.

Both items will be on display in the museum this year.