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01823 337600 – Appointments

somersetarchives@swheritage.org.uk

Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, TA2 6SF



Projects, blogs and news

  • Sounds of Somerset and Devon 16/10/2026
  • Press play on the Sounds of the South West! 13/10/2026
  • New Archive Booking System 03/06/2026
  • Closed Period 2026 11/02/2026
  • Devon Tudor Map 21/01/2026

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01823 278805 -  Enquiries 01823 337600 - Appointments somersetarchives@swheritage.org.uk Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, TA2 6SF

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01823 278805 -  Enquiries 01823 337600 - Appointments somersetarchives@swheritage.org.uk Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, TA2 6SF

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Somerset Archives and Local Studies

5 days ago

Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Please read before your next visitThe Museum of Somerset is temporarily closing in phases as we prepare for our landmark Chew Valley Hoard exhibition in 2027 and undertake essential conservation works.These important improvements will help safeguard the historic Grade I listed building and collections for future generations. A major part of the project will see the floor of the Great Hall carefully removed and reinstated.While our doors are closed, the team will be working behind the scenes to create the museum's most ambitious exhibition yet, including the display of coins from the nationally significant Chew Valley Hoard.Phase 1: 3 – 28 November 2026Need to know:• The Museum remains open for visits• The Great Hall (Foundations Stones Gallery and Claiming The Land Gallery) is closed with a revised route in place for visitors• The Courtyard Café is open • The RPS International Photography Exhibition 167 is open• Events will continue as advertised Phase 2: From 1 Dec 2026 While contractors are working on site the museum will be closed. This is to ensure the safety of collections, staff, visitors and volunteers. Need to know:• The Museum is closed to visits during this period• The Courtyard Café is closed• Santa’s Grotto will take place in the Almshouse Grotto and in Castle House. Bookings are open!Thank you for your patience as we invest in the future of the museum. Subject to the completion of work the museum is expected to reopen in late February/early March. You will be the first to know and we look forward to sharing more about the Chew Valley Hoard exhibition.Questions?• Visit the FAQs on our website: swheritage.org.uk/museum-of-somerset/faqs/?campaignkw=FAQs&_linkgroups=FAQs• DM us and we’ll get right back to you ...

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Somerset Archives and Local Studies is attending an event.

5 days ago

Somerset Archives and Local Studies
As part of Explore Your Archive, we’re providing a free, drop-in surgery for one-to-one guidance to introduce you to the searchroom and our resources on Monday, 23 November.There's no need to book! Just drop in between 10am & 12pm. We look forward to seeing you 🙂 swheritage.org.uk/events/archives-drop-in-surgery/ #eya #familyhistoryresearch #localhistory 🎶 ...

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Somerset Archives and Local Studies

1 week ago

Somerset Archives and Local Studies
It's Halloween, the day when the veils between the worlds thin and ghosts are said to walk amongst us.Well, in May 1947 they were putting in a shift at the United Steel Company's factory in Sheffield (ref. A/DQN/16/10220). To the right of the image we clearly have a headless man and his see-through companion working away at what we think is an early prototype machine for Ghostbusters I#Halloween#H#ghostsn #ghosts ...

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