150 Years of The Museum of Somerset
150 years of protecting and celebrating the county’s rich heritage.
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The Museum of Somerset is marking 150 years of protecting and celebrating the county’s rich heritage. Since the museum first opened in July 1875 it has become a vital and much-loved part of the community. The county museum regularly attracts more than 80,000 visitors every year including 7,000 school children on educational visits.
The Museum’s Early History
Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society was founded in 1849 by ‘several gentlemen of Taunton and its neighbourhood’. They wanted to study all aspects of Somerset history and were enthusiastic collectors of archives, objects and books. They were also keen to create a museum. Their first headquarters was in the Victoria Rooms in central Taunton (now demolished), but they soon outgrew this early home.
In 1874 the Society bought Taunton Castle, partly to save it from falling into ruin, but partly to house the Society’s ever-growing collections. The building cost £2,850, a sum which was raised by public subscription and fund-raising events, including a Calico (fancy dress) Ball and a three-day bazaar.
Having bought Taunton Castle, the Society worked tirelessly to create the new museum. It finally opened to the public on 12 July 1875.
Through the Years
Some major and costly works to the castle were required in the early days of the museum. As the collections grew, extensions were built to provide new gallery space.
Harold St George Gray served as curator of the museum and secretary of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society from 1901 to 1949. He was a respected archaeologist and undertook many excavations in Somerset and further afield.
Taunton Castle served as home to the museum’s curators until the 1960s. At first curators and their families lived in the south-west part of the castle. Harold’s wife, Florence St George Gray played a key role in the management of the museum collections housed at Taunton Castle.
The Great Hall was refurbished in the 1950s when Wilfred Seaby was curator. The works coincided with the arrival of the Low Ham Roman mosaic, which was given a place of honour among the new displays.
Present Day
In 2011 a £6.93 million project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, developed the museum to include nine contemporary gallery spaces displaying treasures dating back 400 million years.
Visitors enjoy a popular programme of spotlight loans, memorable exhibitions and a fantastic array of family activities.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary special talks, tours and family activities took place.
Our Partners
Today, the county museum is managed through a partnership between the South West Heritage Trust, the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society and Somerset Council, with support from Arts Council England and Taunton Town Council.
“As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we honour the enduring power of museums to inspire, entertain and educate,” Sam Astill, Chief Executive South West Heritage Trust.
