It all started with incandescent electric light bulbs. Once carbon filament electric lamps were commercially available, the demand for electricity followed. All down to two men, Thomas Edison and Joseph Swan. Who, eventually joined forces, to form the "Ediswan" Electric Light Company.

Herstmonceux Museum comprises of the old electricity generating buildings dating from C. 1900. The owners, Lime Park Heritage Trust, are a charity, aiming to restore the site to its former glory, complete with a working National gas engine.

Interim, the Trust are considering ways of attaining their ultimate goal of World Heritage Site recognition, to include Virtual Reality experiences, where visitors might walk into the world of early power generation.

Please note: that at this time, Lime Park Heritage Trust, own only the early Generating Station footprint, not any surrounding land(s). Other areas adjacent to the electricity station are walked and explored at the walker's own risk. We understand that some safety precautions have been taken, such as under, and to comply with Health & Safety Regulations, to protect passers by and underneath some of the taller trees, from falling branches. Information of this will be provided to visitors before being allowed to roam freely. Please read this government guidance carefully. Some areas may be blocked off to prevent public access, where no responsible adult is present. All accidents/incidents, should be recorded, as part of a comprehensive safety record in a day book. Visitors are encouraged to enter their names and locations in a Visitors book, that will not be available generally to the public.

According to government guidance, when people enjoy the countryside or other open spaces they owe a duty to themselves and their dependents to take proper care. Official advice to the public is that responsible risk-taking should be regarded as normal, and we should not discourage members of the public from undertaking certain activities solely on the grounds that there is an element of risk. Excessive paternalism and concern with safety may lead to infringements of personal rights. Those who are competent to judge the risk to themselves should be free to make their own decisions so long as they do not threaten the safety of others. The nature of these pursuits is such that, where there is an accident, a fault on the part of an employer (for example) cannot be presumed.

CONSERVATION PHASES

There are four suggested Phases, to achieving the complete restoration of the original Generating Complex. Phase 1, is simply opening to the public, and maintaining the buildings against faunal infestation and the weather. Phase 2, is generating more interest, with a funfair (as many locals call it), or rather, interesting attractions for youngsters and more adventurous adults.

It is going to be a long hard journey, and it's time to make a start, in developing a Business Case, with realistic stages.

If anyone might be able to contribute ideas, to help the Trust get to Phase 4, please get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.

Major Charles de Roemer - the man who started it all.

As a working museum, that is open to the public, the old generating buildings house several interesting exhibits, many of which have an electrical connection - a Technology Trail - for future generations of innovators. So, perpetuating the spirit of inventiveness, pioneered by Major Charles de Roemer, John Hopkinson, Joseph Swan and Thomas Edison, in the run up to C.1900.

The only surviving early example of load levelling (modern grid stabilisation) using battery storage C.1900.

Herstmonceux Museum

Lime Park

Herstmonceux

East Sussex

BN271RF

United Kingdom

There will be more information provided on this page for the 2024 season. Thank you for your patronage and patience.