Duncan Edwards Museum now open in Dudley
A museum in memory of Duncan Edwards has opened in his hometown of Dudley, providing new insights into the life and career of one of Manchester United’s greatest ever players, whose life was cruelly cut short by the Munich Air Disaster.
The Duncan Edwards Museum was officially opened on Friday, 14 August, by the family of Jimmy Murphy, the assistant manager to Sir Matt Busby who played such an integral role in the careers of Duncan and the rest of the Busby Babes who illuminated English football in the 1950s.
Relatives of Duncan were also in attendance, together with dozens of United supporters and other football fans, to see the ribbon-cutting ceremony for what is believed to be the first museum dedicated to the memory of an individual footballer in England.
A wealth of memorabilia from his football career and his early life growing up in the West Midlands town of Dudley are packed into the small museum, just footsteps from where a statue of Duncan is on display in the marketplace.
Duncan was just 21 when he died from injuries sustained in the Munich air crash as the Babes returned from a European Cup match in Belgrade in February 1958. Yet, the powerful and skilful midfielder had already played 151 times for United and 18 times for England and many observers believed he was destined to become one of the greatest players of all time.
Relatives of Duncan were also in attendance, together with dozens of United supporters and other football fans, to see the ribbon-cutting ceremony for what is believed to be the first museum dedicated to the memory of an individual footballer in England.
A wealth of memorabilia from his football career and his early life growing up in the West Midlands town of Dudley are packed into the small museum, just footsteps from where a statue of Duncan is on display in the marketplace.
Duncan was just 21 when he died from injuries sustained in the Munich air crash as the Babes returned from a European Cup match in Belgrade in February 1958. Yet, the powerful and skilful midfielder had already played 151 times for United and 18 times for England and many observers believed he was destined to become one of the greatest players of all time.
Among many testimonies to his talent on display at the museum is a quote from then-England manager Sir Walter Winterbottom, who said Duncan “was the spirit of British football...honest, brilliant and irresistibly strong”.
Unique personal items include Duncan’s birth certificate, a tie worn to the 1957 FA Cup Final, and a gold-plated watch presented by Sir Matt to commemorate United winning the 1953 FA Youth Cup as the Babes began to break through.
The museum was created by Rose Cook-Monk, founder of the Duncan Edwards Foundation, which works to keep alive Duncan’s memory and raise funds to help young people around Dudley and beyond pursue their sporting ambitions.
“Duncan was a normal Black Country boy who had a dream," said Rose. "He believed he could and did. I want to take that story to the next generation of children so they can see that you don’t need to be rich or to live in a big house to be successful."
Unique personal items include Duncan’s birth certificate, a tie worn to the 1957 FA Cup Final, and a gold-plated watch presented by Sir Matt to commemorate United winning the 1953 FA Youth Cup as the Babes began to break through.
The museum was created by Rose Cook-Monk, founder of the Duncan Edwards Foundation, which works to keep alive Duncan’s memory and raise funds to help young people around Dudley and beyond pursue their sporting ambitions.
“Duncan was a normal Black Country boy who had a dream," said Rose. "He believed he could and did. I want to take that story to the next generation of children so they can see that you don’t need to be rich or to live in a big house to be successful."
Club legends Bryan Robson and Denis Irwin sent messages of support for the museum.
“On behalf of everyone at Manchester United I want to say congratulations to Rose and the Duncan Edwards Foundation for making this museum a reality," said Bryan. "Duncan will always have a very special place in the history of Manchester United and it’s great to see that being recognised today.”
The museum is above Black Country T-shirts shop at 257 Castle Street, Dudley, DY1 1LQ and will be open every day of the week except Sundays. Entry is free, but must be booked in advance by emailing rose@duncanedwardsfoundation.co.uk.
“On behalf of everyone at Manchester United I want to say congratulations to Rose and the Duncan Edwards Foundation for making this museum a reality," said Bryan. "Duncan will always have a very special place in the history of Manchester United and it’s great to see that being recognised today.”
The museum is above Black Country T-shirts shop at 257 Castle Street, Dudley, DY1 1LQ and will be open every day of the week except Sundays. Entry is free, but must be booked in advance by emailing rose@duncanedwardsfoundation.co.uk.
Back to Top