Museum at Kelham Hall and Country Park remembers wartime efforts of American oilmen at Duke’s Wood, Eakring
A museum that remembers the wartime efforts of American oilmen is open to the public at Kelham Hall and Country Park.
During the second world war, the hall was home to oilmen at Duke’s Wood, Eakring, who were secretly drilling for oil.
The operation was described by the then Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, as one of the best-kept secrets of the time.
Kevin Topham, curator of the Duke’s Wood Oilmen Museum at Kelham Hall, said he moved the museum from its home at the former drilling site to help preserve the artefacts.
“Everything at the previous location was starting to get damp, but now everything is dry,” said Mr Topham.
“A lot of people choose to come and visit in the week.”
The oilmen who worked on the site had stayed at Kelham Hall, which was then home to the monks of the Sacred Mission.
The museum was initially opened in 1995 by Mr Topham and other volunteers following a visit by 12 of the original oil workers.
There are five nodding donkeys (that drove pumps below ground) at Duke’s Wood, which will remain there.
Another that was used in the area has been restored and is in the grounds of Kelham Hall.
Mr Topham said: “In 1988, I rescued all the gear that was going to be thrown in a scrap wagon. They are treasures really, and I want to keep the memories alive. This museum is part of the history of Nottinghamshire.”
The collection includes a wealth of film, photography, models, and even two helmets the oilmen engraved with a picture of the hall and its name.
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