Foyer

Find out why the Goodwin Sands have been important in the development of Deal, the story of smuggling and the history of Deal piers in this area of the museum.

Upper Gallery

Local History

Given the museum’s background it is apt that part of this upstairs space, the Upper Gallery, is now given over to local industrial, trade and domestic history.  Bottles from local shops, pie dishes from local bakers, a giant shoe used as an advertisement by a local shoe shop are all on display along with cutlery and plates from the South Eastern Hotel and Queens Hotel. Handwritten boards show how Deal High Street changed during the 20th Century.

Also on view upstairs is a selection of the Museum’s collection of drawings including those by Henry Moses, sketches by J R Roget and engravings of JMW Turner’s illustrations of Deal.   The original late nineteenth century Deal Hooden Horse, who roamed the town at Christmas is here, so too the emergency equipment of local doctor, and Sea Surgeon Dr. James Hall.   They all reflect the wealth and diversity of this local history collection.

Try our quizzes about the history of Deal and Walmer here.

Kent Coalfield

A small exhibition is dedicated to the former Kent Coalfield.  Amongst the impressive collection of mining items and history are interactive audio-visual presentations telling the story of this local mining industry.   

Famous Faces

On the staircase leading to the first flooris a wall of Famous Faces associated with Deal and Walmer.   Historical names include eighteenth century author, ‘blue-stocking’ and resident of Deal, Elizabeth Carter, actor Charles Hawtrey, entertainer Norman Wisdom and Edith Appleton who nursed in France during that Great War etc  and many more.  

Maritime Gallery

Maritime Gallery

A wealth of nautical exhibits is located in the ground floor Maritime Gallery, including the last Deal Galley - The Saxon King - and Tender Too, a “little ship,” in the centre of a display about Deal and Dunkirk.

Deal’s rich maritime history is reflected in the large collection of lifebelts hanging from the rafters, the ships’ wheels, bells, figureheads, pictures and artefacts around the walls and throughout the gallery.They link to the history of the RNLI and lifeboatmen, coastguards, local boatmen and much more.

Boatyard

Boatyard

Our boatyard has become both a quiet and peaceful retreat and the outdoor home to several Deal boats including the Penny Ann (previously called Secret) a Deal beach boat; a Montague whaler, used by the Royal Marines and Deal Sea Scouts; as well as ‘Eleanor’, a sprat punt built in Deal in 1892.

George's Trench

The popular World War One re-creation George’s Trench is again on show in the Museum boatyard. It contains regularly updated notices: News from the Front, which list details of the local men who were killed throughout 1918, and Home Front featuring local domestic stories.

Amongst the sandbags and barbed wire of the trench scene is an audio/visual story explaining the story and effects of the war at home and abroad.  It is narrated by Frances Fyfield, crime writer and BBC Radio 4 presenter.  

Stable Block

Royal Marines Exhibition

This new exhibition celebrates the history of the Royal Marines in Deal over 350 years. It includes written information, films, photographs, artefacts and a collection of memories to read or listen to on an old dial up telephone.

Find out more about the Royal Marines School of Music, Commandos based at Deal, Physical Training Instruction, the Zeebrugge raid, the IRA bombing and the closure of the barracks.Also featured are the women who supported the Royal Marines – Wrens, nurses, tailors and Royal Marine wives.

Children can dress up in the area featuring Christmas at the barracks. Find out more about the original Sergeants’ Mess Panto and how to create a Christmas Pudding with 72 eggs and a gallon of rum!

Model Boat Room

On the first floor of the stable block is the Model Boat Room housing an impressive collection of small and large model boats and ships.  Many have been donated by local people, acts of love in their creation and now detailed examples of maritime vessels for our enjoyment.