This year, the Museum of Somerset reaches an impressive milestone—celebrating 150 years since its opening. Nestled within the ancient walls of Taunton Castle, whose origins date back to the 12th century, the museum has become a cornerstone for preserving and sharing Somerset’s unique history.
The museum’s story began with the founding of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society in 1849, established by a group of dedicated local gentlemen passionate about exploring every facet of Somerset’s past. Their collection of archives, artifacts, and books grew steadily, fueling their vision to create a public museum. This vision came to life in 1875 when the society purchased Taunton Castle and officially opened the museum’s doors on July 12.
Today, the Museum of Somerset attracts over 80,000 visitors annually, including around 7,000 schoolchildren who participate in educational programs. Among the museum’s treasured exhibits are the Anglo-Saxon Alfred Jewel and a 1505 portrait of King Henry VII, both of which have drawn significant attention.
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The museum has showcased numerous memorable exhibitions spotlighting Somerset’s rich heritage, from the Monmouth Rebellion to literary giant Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Family-friendly highlights have included collaborations with illustrator Martin Brown of Horrible Histories fame and Axel Scheffler, creator of artwork for The Gruffalo. Additionally, exhibitions celebrating local artists such as Doris Hatt, Tristram Hillier, Alexander Hollweg, and Rachel Reckitt have enriched the museum’s diverse program.
A notable recent highlight came in October last year with the South West Heritage Trust’s acquisition of the Chew Valley Hoard, an extraordinary collection of 2,584 coins dating from the Norman Conquest era.
The museum thrives through a collaborative partnership among the South West Heritage Trust, the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, and Somerset Council, supported by Arts Council England and Taunton Town Council.
Sam Astill, chief executive of the South West Heritage Trust, emphasized the museum’s vital role in the community: “The Museum of Somerset holds a special place in our community and is deeply valued by people of all ages. As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we honor the enduring power of museums to inspire, entertain, and educate. This milestone also offers a chance to recognize the many individuals and organizations that make it all possible.”
Lizzie Induni, chair of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, reflected on the museum’s origins: “It is a wonderful tribute to the society members who preserved Taunton Castle 150 years ago that it is now a thriving and much-loved county museum.”
To mark this milestone, the Museum of Somerset has planned an exciting lineup of events, including an afternoon talk with curator Amal Khreisheh, an evening lecture by historian Tom Mayberry, and special guided tours showcasing the museum’s extensive collections. A three-day birthday celebration will also take place over the October half-term, inviting visitors to join in the festivities.
For those interested, the full anniversary program can be found at museumofsomerset.org.uk.