A thousand years of history within a stone’s throw of Wells High Street and overlooking Wells Cathedral green.
Even museums have their own history!
The Wells & Mendip museum was founded in 1893 by Herbert Balch, a local naturalist, caver and geologist who pioneered many of the techniques used by modern cavers and pioneered the exploration the Mendip’s countless underground labyrinths.
Balch’s fine collection of local artefacts and memorabilia form the core of the Museum’s displays, which retains the best qualities of a private Victorian collection.
The museum moved to its current premises in 1932 through the generosity of William Wyndham, a local benefactor. Herbert Balch was its first honorary curator. The building is a former canonical house, dating from the Elizabethan period however recent excavations in the museum’s garden have uncovered even older artefacts including 14th century pottery.
The Wells & Mendip museum is independently governed by a board of trustees and managers with Somerset County Council’s Museum Service providing a curatorial advisor. The Museum is staffed mainly by a dedicated group of volunteers.
Fascinating exhibits and comprehensive facilities.
The Wells & Mendip Museum features extensive facilities that provide support and resource for the local community and interested visitors alike.
The Learning and Resource Centre comprises a fully equipped lecture hall which is able to accommodate 100 delegates alongside a meeting room accommodating up to 30 delegates board room style. Both rooms are available for hire at competitive rates which are discounted for registered charities.
The museum’s comprehensive Reference Library houses books on local history, with a particular section focussing on caving in the Mendips. The library is able to be accessed by appointment with the honorary librarian.
The Museum Shop features a range of local gifts, books and guides to Wells and its surrounds.
The Wells & Mendip museum is also able to provide extensive resources for school parties, interested schools should contact the museum by e-mail or telephone for more information.
Visits by large parties are welcome by appointment and are facilitated by a coach drop- off point within easy reach of the museum.
The museum’s impressive Exhibition Gallery runs a programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The museum website features a list of forthcoming events.
Wells & Mendip Museum, learn more about where you live.
Wells and Mendip Museum,
8 Cathedral Green,
Wells,
Somerset,
BA5 2UE.
01749 673477
wellsmuseum@ukonline.co.uk
www.wellsmuseum.org.uk
Please mention The Best of Wells website when contacting the Wells and Mendip Museum in Wells