History and Collections
The Courtyard
Not strictly a gallery, the glazed courtyard with its wood block floor is the most attractive feature of the museum. Here you can pause from your explorations and take refreshments. Around the walls are old advertising signs and entertainment posters. The trickling fountain provides a calming background. From the courtyard you can explore the other galleries and displays in the museum.
Seaside Holiday
This gallery is just off the central courtyard. It features all the paraphernalia of a typical seaside holiday in Weston, between 1870 and 1940, with sections on the beach, the pier, looking for lodgings, souvenirs, excursions and entertainment. There is an original Victorian Punch and Judy puppet set, model paddle steamer and working original amusement machines.
Archaeology Gallery
This gallery is on the first floor and shows local archaeological material dating from the Ice Age to the Medieval period. Iron Age material from local hillforts and Roman remains are featured. In the Mining section you can see tools and other devices used by people working in the mines of Mendip.
Clara's Cottage
This cottage, built in 1864, is adjacent to the museum. Three of the rooms - the Parlour, Kitchen and Bedroom - are displayed as they would have been when Clara Payne lived there with her husband Robert and four children in 1900. Clara took in paying guests to help pay the bills.
