Cowper & Newton Museum

The Cowper & Newton Museum on the Market Place in Olney, was home to William Cowper. Together with John Newton, ex-slave trader, curate and author of Amazing Grace, they wrote the famous Olney Hymns.
Relive Georgian life in Olney – The Home of Amazing Grace. Historic townhouse, tranquil gardens and some of the greatest stories of the era.

Welcome to Orchard Side house, which from 1768 to 1786 was the home of William Cowper, renowned 18th century poet. Walk back in time through rooms featuring numerous personal artefacts and belongings. Discover William’s comic sense of humour, the highs and lows in his life and his love of gardening and animals – especially his pet hares.

Discover how his friend John Newton’s life and personal experience inspired him to write the world’s most famous hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ here in Olney. Find out about his time as a slave ship captain, as a captive himself; how he became curate of the parish church, his involvement in the abolition of slavery and his spiritual influence on William Wilberforce.

Visit the Museum Gardens of the eighteenth-century poet, William Cowper, a passionate gardener living at a time when seeds and plants were arriving from North America. From his letters and poems, many of which were written here at Orchard Side, we know many of the plants he grew. He said of himself:
‘Gardening was of all employments that in which I succeeded best.’

Our ‘Lacemakers’ Room tells the story of the lacemakers of Olney and surrounding villages with storyboards and displays of exquisite lace and lacemaking equipment from our extensive collection.

The Three Hares Gallery is located on the top floor of the Museum building and holds monthly exhibitions. Past exhibitions have included artists who work in watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels, drawings, prints, photography, ceramics, woodcraft and textiles, including felt, patchwork and tapestries.

We have a shop and one toilet. For all upcoming events and gallery exhibitions, please refer to our website. Children’s trails with a small prize, available to purchase from the shop.

Olney – a day out destination, is a quiet market town and a short drive from the heart of Milton Keynes, once a centre of lace-making and more recently the boot and shoe industry. It is a thriving, bustling community with plenty to offer visitors and best known for its annual Pancake Race established 1445.

Emberton Park offering river and lakeside walks, canoeing, fishing and many other activities, with nearby Olney River Meadow walks and a longer walk to Clifton Reynes can also be enjoyed in your day trip.

Please refer to our ‘Visit Us’ page on our website and scroll down to ‘Getting Here’ for directions and parking.