The museum collection was originally started through the efforts of the West Somerset Archaeological Society members and now contains several thousand artefacts from clay pipes to ploughs, mostly from the Exmoor area. When you enter the museum you will be transported back in time and will probably recognise objects used daily by your parents, grand -parents, local tradesmen and farmers.

Most of the artefacts date from the early 1800s to the late 1950s and are displayed in themed areas covering a very broad range of rural social history. An extensive photographic archive of West Somerset is available to browse and topical exhibitions of memorabila are organised at various times.

The Victorian Schoolroom has its original desks and benches from 1821 together with slates, text books, toys and examples of school work by the pupils during the Victorian era. Visiting children can dress up in Victorian clothes, write on the slates and play with some of the toys from the period.

Schools come to us for pre-arranged half-day educational visits based on the Victorian aspects of the National Curriculum and are taught by experienced teachers and museum guides. (See school visits page).