Bishop's Stortford Museum

Bishop’s Stortford Museum sits in Netteswell House, a 19th-century building in the town centre. The house was once the birthplace of Cecil Rhodes, the British imperialist who founded De Beers and gave his name to Rhodesia. The museum opened in 1938 as the Rhodes’ Birthplace Museum before the trust removed his name following debates about his legacy. It is now run by a trust that also manages the nearby South Mill Arts centre. The building itself has Grade II protection, awarded in 1949. Inside, the museum blends two collections: the former Rhodes Memorial Museum and the Bishop’s Stortford Local History Museum. Exhibits explore Rhodes’ life alongside 19th-century Southern African artefacts from his travels. A reconstructed Victorian drawing room displays family memorabilia from the period. The space reflects both local history and the controversial figure of Rhodes. The trust’s decision to rename the museum followed public discussion of his imperial role. Visitors find a mix of personal and regional history in the former home. The drawing room shows how a middle-class Victorian family lived. Artefacts from Rhodes’ time in Africa sit alongside documents and objects from the town’s past. The Grade II-listed building adds to the sense of stepping into another era. The adjacent arts centre offers further cultural activities nearby. The museum presents history without glorifying Rhodes’ actions.