Bradford on Avon Museum
Free, volunteer-run museum on the first floor of the town library, telling the natural and human history of Bradford on Avon and the former Hundred of Bradford.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Bradford on Avon Museum Society was founded in 1986, at first to preserve the contents of the old Christopher pharmacy. After four years of fund-raising and discussion, the museum opened in September 1990 in the new town library beside the Town Bridge. The space is leased from Wiltshire Council, but the museum is independent of local government and is staffed only by volunteers.
The society aims to collect, preserve, research, display and teach about the human and natural history of the town and of the area of the former Hundred of Bradford. Its collection covers agriculture, archaeology, geology, natural history, buildings, social history, local people and transport. Industries that shaped the town, such as quarrying, woollen cloth, rubber, brewing, ironfounding and tanning, are also part of the story.
The pharmacy shop display, which grew out of the museum's origins, remains one of the collection areas. The society publishes a series of booklets on the heritage of the Bradford Hundred and runs a research group, community digs and an oral history group. It also offers talks and, for schools, links with local teachers and pupils. The museum is funded by members' subscriptions, visitors' donations and occasional grants.
Highlights
- Display based on the old Christopher pharmacy shop
- Old photographs of Bradford on Avon and nearby villages
- Local geology, archaeology and natural history
- Industries such as quarrying, woollen cloth, rubber and brewing
- Booklets on the heritage of the Bradford Hundred
Permanent exhibitions
- The pharmacy shop – A display based on the contents of the old Christopher pharmacy, which led to the museum being founded.
- The museum collection – Objects, old photographs and records on the geology, archaeology, industries, buildings and people of Bradford on Avon and the Bradford Hundred.
- Founded
- 1990
- Operated by
- Bradford on Avon Museum Society (registered charity 298085)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free; the museum relies on donations and membership.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is on the first floor of the library and can be reached by stairs or by lift. There is wheelchair access to all public areas and a disabled toilet that uses the RADAR National Key Scheme.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The town is served by train and by First bus routes D1 and D1x.
By car
Parking available
Car parking is immediately outside the library, in St Margaret's Street and at the railway station.
Bradford on Avon is 8 miles from Bath and 3 miles from Trowbridge via the A363. The museum is next to the Town Bridge.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School and other groups can visit outside the normal hours by prior arrangement. The museum plans curriculum-linked exhibitions and activities for primary and secondary pupils and has run events with local schools. |
