Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History

Before North Sea Gas became available gas was made by heating coal in closed vessels called retorts. Fakenham's gas works is the only remaining example of this Victorian technology in England and Wales. It provides an insight into an industry and the working conditions of over one million people who were employed in making, maintaining and supplying 'town gas' between 1800 and 1965. Provision of gas enabled the streets and houses to be lit after dark and greatly assisted domestic chores for housewives. Displays of local history items illustrate life and work in the market town of Fakenham.
Comments include 'very interesting', 'fascinating' and 'please keep it open so people can see an important part of Britain's industrial history'.