A new museum and visitor centre has opened in Whiteley Village.

The museum opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, April 16, and contains a range of artefacts and photographs relating to the history of Whiteley Village.

The collection includes press cuttings from the funeral of the village founder, William Whiteley, and a series of papers documenting the murder conviction of Horace Rayner, a man who claimed to be Mr Whiteley’s illegitimate son.

One of the museum’s biggest attractions is an album of original photographs, taken in 1921 that captured King George V and Queen Mary during their visit to the village.

There are also life stories of some of the hundreds of elderly people who have lived in the retirement village since 1917.

Ms Sheila Geary, great great granddaughter of William Whiteley cut the opening ribbon.

She said: “I have been touched by the wonderful stories I have heard from villagers about what the village has meant to them personally. “It has made me fully appreciate the generosity of my great great grandfather.”

The new museum will be run by volunteers from the Whiteley Village Historical Society and will open for visitors by arrangement.

Mike Roycroft, warden of Whiteley Village said: “The new museum houses a wonderful collection that records the history of Whiteley Village.

“We hope it will help local people understand more about the village and the almshouse properties we offer to older people of limited means.”

For more information, visit http://whiteleyvillage.org.uk/museum.php