Farmyard Galleries

Working Village

The first of our two Farmyard galleries tells the story of working life in rural Somerset. It looks at rural trades, the work carried out in the home and the differing lives of rich and poor.

Working the Land

The second of the Farmyard galleries explores the history of food production and farming in the county. Discover how Somerset’s varied landscapes have been home to everything from dairy farming to cider making and for willow growing to stock rearing.

The Farmhouse Kitchen

Step back to 1948 in the Farmhouse Kitchen. Listen to the Mapstone family getting on with their daily lives while the table is laid for dinner. The Victorian range forms a focal point in the kitchen. You’ll often see smoke rising from the kitchen chimney.

Farmhouse Galleries

Celebrating

Somerset loves to celebrate. From the Friendly Society feast days, to the harvest home and wassail, we know how to have a good time!

Learning

Village schools were at the heart of rural communities. In the 1870s free elementary education was introduced for children. From the 1800s onwards people all over Somerset attend lectures about scientific discoveries, politics and social reform.

Creating

Creativity is prevalent amongst Somerset people and this gallery showcases those talents. It including paintings, ceramics, sculpture and folk song.

Believing

For generations of Somerset people religious belief defined the world from cradle to grave. This gallery examines traditional religion, folklore and new age beliefs.

Remembering

Using extracts from the Somerset Voices project archive visitors can sit and listen to the people of Somerset reminisce about their life in the county.