Originally part of a larger range of buildings with a courtyard in the centre, the building was subsequently used as a workhouse, hospital and school before being used for storing corn from 1829 until its conversion to a museum.

[4] The museum itself has exhibition galleries, café and a local history library, along with a Conference room which can be hired.

From the geology to the stories of people who have lived in West Berkshire; early ancestors, to well known characters like Jack O'Newbury: the people who have created the towns and villages, roads and canals, fields and farms, industries, pastimes and organisations that forms West Berkshire today.

Entry is free but donations are most welcome and go towards adding to and conserving the collections and maintaining the historic buildings.

The museum underwent a £2.2m renovation in 2014 to update its exhibition areas and visitor facilities.