Panacea Museum

Reviews

1. REBECCA SMITH - Glutarama ★★★★★

   We are so lucky to have some many places of interest in Bedford, UK. The Panacea Museum is a fascinating bit of history that many Bedford folk don't know about! The museum is free to visit you can make donations and support them by having something from the Café or buying a plant or the odd vegetable from a stand in the Garden of Eden...that's right, Bedford is home to a Garden of Eden. The staff are wonderful, super friendly and helpful. The café has simple snacks such as crisps, prepacked cakes and flapjacks and biscuits. My daughter was able to have a gluten free flapjack and a packet of gluten free custard creams. Altogether got two cups of tea, 1 carton apple juice, 2 flapjacks and custard creams and it all came to £6.50 AMAZING! Will defo go back again if passing even if just for the café and some peace in the Garden.

   almost 10 months ago
2. Peter Hadfield ★★★★★

   Really interesting place to visit, once the headquarters of the Panacea Society and home of 'Octavia,' the daughter of God (according to the followers,!) The Society was a Southcottian sect that really established itself in the years following the Great War and when the last member died in the first decade of the 21st century the Society ended and a charitable trust took over the properties and opened them as a museum. It's a fascinating window into a movement that was very significant in the 1920's and 30's but has largely been forgotten now. The museum is a real time capsule and it's free to visit. Peaceful gardens, preserved interiors, an incredible story and knowledgeable staff and volunteers. If you're in Bedford it's a must!

   almost 10 months ago
3. John Summers ★★★★★

   This is the most fascinating place in Bedford, set in a large Victorian house and gardens set in 1934, telling the story of the Panacean Society, a mysterious box, 24 Bishops and Octavia the self proclaimed Daughter of God, it is a intriguing story spanning 200 years, and so interesting you will end up reading every plaque. Catch the guided tour if you can, well worth it, and it’s free to enter, anyone with an interested in the bizarre or a unique British story will love it. Allow 2 -3 hours to view everything.

   1 year ago

1. goz ★★★★★

   5+ star visit. Highly recommended. Very interesting museum to visit if you go to Bedford. It is surprising to see how people have lived and built this community/cult however you call it and how it ceased after so many decades. Garden of Eden was believed to be here… and a lot of interesting stories..

   almost 2 years ago
2. Barry Richardson ★★★★★

   An amazing set of buildings and artifacts. Enthralling story with incredible local connections for such a worldwide phenomena. Well worth a visit whether you have an hour or more to sit in and enjoy the sumptuous gardens.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Jeremy Peake ★★★★★

   A fascinating museum, charting the life and times of a highly eccentric religious society. Set in the Panacea Society's former residencies, it contains many information packed rooms, pictorial displays, a beautifully kept garden and the society's chapel. Many of the rooms have been restored to look as they had in the society's heyday. The Founder"s House, home of the 'prophet' Octavia, almost feels as though it could still be inhabited. There's a charming tea room too. And it's free. What's not to like?!

   almost 3 years ago

1. W Perry ★★★★★

   This site was a very good visit, different and interesting. It’s free entry, no tickets needed. In summary, it’s the HQ of a “end of the world” religious group, from earlier times. Beautifully maintained Victorian house, garden, and chapel. Recommended.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Phil Thomas ★★★★★

   Fascinating , quite unique , peaceful place. I walked around with a smile. Took the brain in unusual directions. Funny old world. Couldn't help but wonder if Spike Milligan had ever visited.........

   almost 4 years ago
3. Mark Taylor ★★★★☆

   Unpublicised until recently (unless you count Monty Python) museum of this millennial religious order and its role including the Garden of Eden. Free to visit which is good because you'll probably need a few trips here to take in the contents.

   more 6 years ago

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