Heritage Service

Welcome to the website for the Heritage Service.

The Heritage Service has broad-ranging responsibilities for archives, museums, archaeology and the historic environment, and a mission to make Somerset's rich heritage accessible and eloquent to people of all ages.  The Service has particular responsibility for the following:

• Archive and Record Service
• Historic Environment Service, including the Historic Environment Record and the Peat Moors Centre, near Glastonbury
• Museums Service, including the County Museum in Taunton, the Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury, and the Brick and Tile Museum in Bridgwater
• Victoria County History of Somerset, a major research project to complete a history of the whole county

We strive to achieve our mission by:

• Working with partners and the community to preserve, protect, promote and interpret the heritage of Somerset, ensuring its wise management now and in the future
• Celebrating the contribution that Somerset's heritage makes to the character, quality of life and distinctiveness of the county
• Enabling Somerset people and others to enjoy, learn about, understand and gain access to their rich heritage

I hope you enjoy using the services available through the Heritage Service.

Tom Mayberry
Head of Heritage Service