Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury
In the Abbey Farmhouse the social and domestic life of Victorian Somerset is described in reconstructed rooms and an exhibition which tells the life story of a farm worker, John Hodges, from the cradle to the grave.
The magnificent fourteenth-century Abbey Barn is the centrepiece of the Somerset Rural Life Museum. The barn and the farm buildings surrounding the courtyard contain displays illustrating the tools and techniques of farming in Victorian Somerset. Unusual local activities like willow growing, mud horse fishing, peat digging and cider making are included.
Somerset Rural Life Museum
Visitor Information
ADMISSION FREE
Opening hours: 1st April - 2nd November: Tuesdays to Friday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday 2.00pm to 6.00pm
4th November - 31st March: Tuesdays to Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm Closed Good Friday
Museum shop and facilities for the disabled, baby-changing area. Free car park and coach lay-by. For further details contact the Somerset Rural Life Museum, Abbey Farm, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8DB Call: 01458 831197 Fax: 01458 834684
e-mail:county-museums@somerset.gov.uk
HOW TO GET THERE
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The barn shop is managed by the Friends of the Somerset Rural Life Museum (formerly known as the Friends of the Abbey Barn) who promote and support the work of the museum. New members are welcome.
Friends of Somerset Rural Life Museum
Exhibitions 2008/2009
| 6th September - 15th November |
Bath Artist Printmakers Recent work by an artists' cooperative of 30 members, who work from a studio in Larkhall, Bath. Members of the group will be present on various days during the exhibition. |
For further information |
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22nd November - 13th December
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West Country Craft Fair High quality crafts from local makers. A relaxed and attractive atmosphere in which to buy beautiful Christmas presents. The fair will include some of the museum’s regular craftspeople and several new participants. |
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| 10th January – 14th March 2009 |
Skillets & Cauldrons This fabulous display of English bronze cooking vessels form the Roderick Butler collection is on tour from the County Museum. The cooking wares were made at two foundries at South Petherton and Montacute in the 17th and early 18th centuries and comprise a collection of national importance. They are stunningly displayed with information about their manufacture and cooking practices in England at the time. Find out more at: www.somerset.gov.uk/museums/explore/englishbronzecookingvessels
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For further information |
Events and Demonstrations 2008/09
Papermaking Workshop
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| November |
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| 22nd |
2.00 & 3.00 |
Firing the Anvil with Mike Rowe |
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| December |
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| 6th |
2.00-4.00 |
Xmas Cooking on the range in the Victorian Kitchen, with Zaida Haworth |
| 10th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with the Glastonbury Spinners |
| 13th |
2.00-5.00 |
Lace Making Demonstration of Torchon Lace by Jane Thorne |
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| January 2009 |
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| 17th |
7.30-9.30 |
Wassail Evening Celebration of Old Twelfth Night with wassailing in the cider orchard and dancing in the Abbey Barn. Music by Rapscallion. Please book tickets in advance: £7.50 adult £4.50 child. |
| February |
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| 7th |
10.30-4.00 |
Orchard Day A course for fruit tree owners with Les Davies MBE to include grafting, planting, pruning, gurading and general maintenance. Cost £30 including ploughman's lunch and hot drinks. Please book in advance and bring your own tools. Closing date for bookings 24th January. |
| 14th to 21st |
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Mottoes, Magic and Potions Free, family self led activities and a museum trail based around the 'Fire burn and cauldron bubble' exhibition on the theme of potions and magic. |
| 14th |
2.00-4.00 |
Old English Recipes and Remedies A fascinating cooking demonstration by Zaida Haworth using the kitchen range. |
| 17th |
10.30-12.00 & 1.30-3.00 |
A Magic Time! Enjoy magical family activities using real museum objects. For ages 3 to 7 with accompanying adults. £3 per child. Up to 3 children per adult. Please book in advance. |
| 18th |
1.00-3.00 |
Donkey Day Come and groom the adorable donkeys from Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary. |
| 18th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with the Glastonbury Spinners |
| 19th |
10.30-12.00 & 1.30-3.00 |
Magical Mysteries! Challenge your skills to solve this magical mystery! For ages 6 to 11 with accompanying adults. £3 per child. Up to 3 children per adult. Please book in advance. |
| 21st |
2.00-5.00 |
Lace Making Demonstration of Torchon Lace by Jane Thorne. |
e-mail:county-museums@somerset.gov.uk
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