Mouseman Visitor Centre

The Mouseman Visitor Centre is dedicated to the story of Robert Thompson, born in 1876 and who made his life’s work to the crafting of carving in English oak and producing some of the finest furniture styled on the designs of 17th century England.

The Mouseman Visitor Centre enables visitors to experience what life must have been like for Robert growing up in the late 19th century as part of a thriving village community. His original workshop was converted to create the centre that includes a café and gift shop.

“We as poor as church mice” is said to be the phrase used by one of his craftsmen when he was carving a church screen onto which Robert then carved a mouse and thus his trademark was created as a mark of quality and craftsmanship. It’s now the famous “Mousey Thompson’ symbol known around the world found on every item crafted by Robert Thompsons.

Moving through the visitor centre, guests see the amazing story and journey through rooms set in the 1930’s full of Robert Thompson’s personal furniture signed with early examples of the carved mouse symbol. It’s a story from humble beginnings to furniture legend. There’s an audio-visual display explainer and afterwards a visit to the gift shop will offer opportunities to purchase handcrafted items to take home including smaller items such as Cheeseboards, Bookends, Cow Stools and Coffee Tables.

After all that, the Mouseman ‘T’ Café and Tea rooms serve Yorkshire Tea, home baked cakes and other delicious treats served either on the terrace or inside seated on the ‘Mousey Thompson’ tables and chairs made right here.