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
[ 57.6k]
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
|
3rd May - 22nd June
|
'Pots to Use and Enjoy' Ceramics by the Eeles Family Potters Large quantities of beautiful pottery in stoneware, porcelain and raku from the well known Beaminster family of potters. The pottery can be taken at the time of purchase. |
For further information |
| 28th June -31st August |
'The Orchard' Sustainable Sculptures by Edwina Bridgeman Visitors will enter a magical orchard constructed from recycled material and enjoy a place of contemplation. There is a focus on the imagery, songs, folklore and sustainability of apple trees (A Brewery Arts Touring Exhibition) Events relating to this exhibition will be held during the summer holidays. |
|
| 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 and will lead a 'Big Draw' workshop during October half term. |
|
|
22nd November - 13th December
|
West Country Craft Fair High quality crafts from local makers. A relaxed and attractive atmosphere in which to buy beautiful Christmas presents. |
|
Events and Demonstrations 2008
Papermaking Workshop
|
|
|
| May |
|
|
| 10th |
1.00-4.00 |
Stick Weaving Demonstration with Margaret Britton |
| 26th |
10.00-5.00 |
Somerset Guild of Spinners Weavers and Dyers Demonstration |
| 27th |
10.30-12.30 |
Cooking Pies & Pasties with Zaida Haworth |
| 28th |
11.00-3.30 |
Donkey Day Come and meet the donkeys from the Sanctuary at Sidmouth |
| 29th |
10.30-5.00 |
Fishing in Somerset Display including replica flatner and rope making by Ian Mayes |
|
|
|
| June |
|
|
| 1st |
2.00-5.00 |
Bill Hook Demonstration with Gordon York |
| 11th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with the Glastonbury Spinners |
| 28th |
1.00-4.00 |
Stick Weaving Demonstration with Margaret Britton |
|
|
|
| July |
|
|
| 9th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with the Glastonbury Spinners |
| 12th & 13th |
1.30-5.00 |
Somerset Guild of Spinners Weavers and Dyers Demonstration |
| 19th |
1.00-4.00 |
Stick Weaving Demonstration with Margaret Britton |
| 20th |
2.00-5.00 |
Bill Hook Display by Gordon York |
| 25th |
11.00-4.00 |
Corn Dolly Making Demonstration with Leslie Hurford |
| 29th |
1.00-3.30 |
Laundry in the Courtyard with Zaida Haworth |
| 30th |
10.30-5.00 |
Fishing in Somerset Display including replica flatner and rope making by Ian Mayes |
|
|
|
| August |
|
|
| 3rd |
2.00-5.00 |
Bill Hook Demonstration with Gordon York |
| 4th - 8th |
10.00-4.00 |
Rural Craft Demonstrations with Bill Moore |
| 6th |
1.00-4.00 |
Stick Weaving Demonstration with Margaret Britton |
| 9th & 10th |
2.00-5.00 |
Rural Craft Demonstration with Bill Moore |
| 12th |
10.30-12.30 |
Laundry Demonstration with Zaida Haworth |
| 13th |
11.00-12.30 & 2.00-3.30 |
Rag Rug Making Workshop with Deborah Hastings. £4.00 each. Please book in advance. |
| 13th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with the Glastonbury Spinners |
| 14th |
11.00-4.00 |
Donkey Day Come and meet the donkeys from the Sanctuary at Sidmouth |
| 16th |
1.00-4.00 |
Stick Weaving Demonstration with Margaret Britton |
| 19th |
10.30 - 12.30 |
Cooking 'Summer Treats' with Zaida Haworth |
| 23rd |
2.00-5.00 |
Donkey Day Come and meet the donkeys from the Sanctuary at Sidmouth |
| 24th |
2.00-5.00 |
Bill Hook Display by Gordon York |
| 26th |
11.00-4.00 |
Medieval Tile Making Workshop with Caroline Hayles. Please book in at reception on arrival as places may be limited. |
| 29th |
11.00-4.00 |
Corn Dolly Making Demonstration with Leslie Hurford |
|
|
|
| September |
|
|
| 1st |
11.00-4.00 |
Donkey Day Come and meet the donkeys from the Sanctuary at Sidmouth |
| 10th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with the Glastonbury Spinners |
| 20th |
1.00-4.00 |
Stick Weaving Demonstration with Margaret Britton |
|
|
|
| October |
|
|
| 8th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with the Glastonbury Spinners |
| 18th & 19th |
2.00-5.00 |
Cider Making Weekend |
|
|
|
| November |
|
|
| 12th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with the Glastonbury Spinners |
|
|
|
| December |
|
|
| 10th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with the Glastonbury Spinners |
|
|
|
e-mail:county-museums@somerset.gov.uk
Top of Page
|
