Case 23 – Dad’s Army Museum, Thetford

History

The Dad's Army Museum in Thetford celebrates one of Britain's most beloved television comedies, Dad's Army. Located in the Old Fire Station on Cage Lane, behind Thetford Guildhall, the museum stands in the town that served as the principal filming location for many outdoor scenes in the series. Thetford Guildhall itself appeared on screen as Walmington-on-Sea Town Hall in several episodes, making the museum's location especially significant to fans.

The museum was officially opened on 7 December 2007 by David Croft, co-creator of Dad's Army. Established and run by volunteers, it was created to preserve and share the history of the programme, which first aired on the BBC in 1968 and remains a cherished part of British television culture. Since opening, thousands of visitors have travelled to Thetford each year to learn about the series and explore the locations used during filming.

Inside, visitors can see a reconstruction of Captain Mainwaring's office, costumes, props, memorabilia, rare photographs, and displays detailing the making of the show. The museum also houses items connected to the Home Guard and the Second World War, reflecting the programme's wartime setting. One of its most famous exhibits is Jones's Butcher's Van, the original Ford van used in the television series, which was purchased by the museum in 2012 and restored for display.

The museum has become an important visitor attraction for Thetford, helping to preserve the legacy of the series while contributing to the town's tourism industry. Through exhibitions, walking tours of filming locations, and participation in 1940s-themed events across East Anglia, the museum keeps alive the spirit of Captain Mainwaring, Sergeant Wilson, Corporal Jones, and the rest of the famous Walmington-on-Sea platoon.

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