The Framework Knitters Museum

About

The history of framework knitting is an amazing story of inventiveness, creativity, poverty and riots. And it all started right here in Nottinghamshire!

The award-winning Framework Knitters Museum is one of the only places left in the country where you’ll find the working and living conditions of this important, contentious and dangerous industry perfectly preserved for you to experience and explore.

A unique surviving example of a 19th century framework knitters’ yard, their site has been lovingly restored as a living history museum. You’ll discover how framework knitters and their families lived and worked there in Victorian times – the sights, the sounds and even the smells!

You will learn about the 400 year history of framework knitting, from its role in the Industrial Revolution to the infamous Luddite riots of the 1800s, and how framework knitting gave birth to the Nottingham lace industry.

Watch live demonstrations of their machines, try your hand at knitting on a 19th-century sock machine, see a collection of hosiery spanning 200 years, perhaps watch a short film, and then relax with a cup of tea in the garden or teashop before checking out the museum craftshop.

For special events and exhibitions, see the museum's website.

The local community saved the site from the bulldozer in 1971. It is now operated as a Charitable Trust and has recently been expanded with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Group bookings accepted for day or evening visits all year round.