THERE was great fanfare as a special guest helped reopen the Wellington Museum to visitors following a complete refurbishment.

Charles Wellesley, The Duke of Wellington officially reopened the beloved museum on Friday, March 6.

Based in the former Squirrel Hotel, on Fore Street, Wellington Museum is open for history-lovers to discover more about the town’s past and its people.

The opening ceremony began with Andrew Norris, Wellington town crier, announcing the opening ceremony on High Street at 11 am.

Eager crowds then gathered outside Wellington Museum, to witness the Duke of Wellington cut the official ribbon.

He said: “It is a pleasure to be here. I congratulate you all on this museum refurbishment and thank you for all being here today for the ceremony.”

Some of the exhibits include an Armada chest, a model of the Battle of Waterloo, a portrait of the Duke and more.

The Armada chest is more than 400 years old and was uncovered for the first time in over 30 years in December 2025.

In his opening toast, Mike Menhenitt, museum vice chairman, said: “Thank you all for coming to celebrate the opening of Wellington Museum. In Wellington, we are very proud of our museum and the part it plays in the community. The museum is entirely run by volunteers who do a variety of jobs and are here today to see the fruits of their labour.

“Since the museum opened in 1983, it has never seen a refurbishment like this. We discovered some hidden gems in all the work such as revealing the victorian fireplace and the door from the towns lock up.”

The museum was opened with the help of money left over from the town’s celebrations of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, alongside donations from townspeople and businesses.

The museum is open weekdays and Saturday mornings. Admission is free.