You can’t fully appreciate the story of the modern economy without contemplating the industrial revolution. That means understanding places such as Coalville, the Leicestershire town built on Britain’s mining industry. And understanding Coalville means visiting the area’s museum in Snibston.
Except that you can’t — not any more. In an effort to save money earlier this year, Leicestershire County Council closed Snibston museum. It was the 43rd British museum to shut its doors since 2010. Nor is it alone: across the country local galleries, libraries and theatres are closing in record numbers.
This lesson of the unintended consequences of austerity is worth considering over the coming weeks. As you read this, ministers and special advisers are going into battle with the Treasury over their budgets.