National Gas Museum, Leicester

The National Gas Museum, housed in the former gatehouse of a historic gasworks in Leicester, offers a deep dive into the history of domestic and industrial gas supply. Also known as the Gas Museum, it boasts the world's largest collection of gas-related artifacts, showcasing how gas transformed daily life.

The museum is located in a Grade II listed building from 1878, featuring a distinctive clock tower. Initially opened as the John Doran Museum in 1977, it was originally one of two museums operated by the British Gas Corporation. Following the privatization of British Gas in 1987, the museum came under the care of the National Gas Museum Trust, a dedicated charity. In 1998, it absorbed collections from the former London Gas Museum and the South West Gas Historical Society, further enriching its holdings.

With two floors of exhibits and over 4,000 items in storage, the museum presents the evolution of gas technology in the UK. Displays include historical accounts of gas usage, early gas appliances, and technological innovations. A highlight is a 1920s kitchen tableau, complete with period gas-powered equipment. Visitors can also explore gas-powered washing machines, irons, and even a radio. A significant part of the collection consists of appliances designed for town gas, which became obsolete following the UK's transition to natural gas in the 1970s. These items were largely preserved by British Gas engineers.

Today, the museum is managed by the National Gas Museum Trust, with financial backing from Centrica and National Grid plc, ensuring the preservation and display of this unique aspect of industrial history.