The Bailiffgate Museum is a small independent museum in Alnwick, Northumberland, England, dedicated to the history of Alnwick and North Northumberland. It is staffed by trustees and volunteers.
The museum is located in one of the oldest parts of Alnwick and is close by Alnwick Castle. It is housed in St Mary’s Church, dating from 1836, with the original organ still intact. Progress through the museum tracks the rich heritage of the region through several centuries using displays, audio-visual exhibits and hands-on activities.
Bailiffgate Museum?s collection is specific to Alnwick and District with the majority of items in the collection relating to local social history. The collection includes agricultural objects, domestic items, railway items, coal mining artefacts, printing objects, photos, paintings.[1] A rare 18th century fire pump and a display about RAF Boulmer are also on show.
The Bible of William Davison (publisher) exhibited in the Bailiffgate Museum. One of the first fully annotated bibles to be issued as a part-work
In 2013 the museum had two of the items on display designated as “Top 100 items” by the “History of the North East in 100 Objects” project. These were:
The Davison Bible – a bible printed by local pharmacist and progressive reformer William Davison (publisher). His desire to increase and support learning in the Christian faith led him to develop an innovative approach. Rather than solely print The Bible in its entirety, his Universal Holy Bible or Complete Library of Divine Knowledge was published in 100 parts at 1 shilling each.
The Rothbury Football. This small leather ?football?, stuffed with hay, is not much bigger than a large handball. It was used in contests between the villagers of Thropton and those of Rothbury; the respective goals were Thropton Bridge and the porch of the Parish Church at Rothbury. This is an example of an item that traces its sporting origins to the medieval period.
The Rothbury Football was again designated one of the Top 100 Objects in 2018