Wellington Museum
Small volunteer-run museum in Wellington, Somerset, on the town's history, its link to the Duke of Wellington, the woollen mill and local banking.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Wellington Museum opened in April 1983 and is run by the Wellington Local History and Museum Society, a registered charity staffed by volunteers. It is housed in the former Squirrel Hotel at 28 Fore Street in the centre of the Somerset town. After a complete refurbishment over the winter of 2025 to 2026 it was officially reopened on 6 March 2026 by the ninth Duke of Wellington, and it opened to the public again on 9 March.
The collection follows the history of the town and its surroundings. Most of it dates from the mid 19th century onwards, with a few older objects. It covers the town's links to the first Duke of Wellington, who took his title from it, the rise of what was once the largest woollen mill in the south west, brick making, bed making and early mail-order trade, and the way the townscape changed. It also tells how Wellington was home to the last provincial bank in England and Wales to issue its own banknotes.
Further displays deal with social and domestic life, the two world wars, and a model of the art deco Wellesley cinema. The society also keeps an archive, a reference library and topic boxes for people researching local or family history, and it welcomes school and community groups.
Highlights
- Tapestry sampler showing the original design for the Wellington Monument
- Floor tiles of about 1400 from a medieval manor house excavated in 2013
- Local banknotes from the last provincial bank to issue its own notes
- Scale model of the art deco Wellesley cinema with a fitted interior
- Victorian kitchen range, mangle and other items of everyday life
Permanent exhibition
- Wellington collection – Display cabinets on the Duke of Wellington, industry and trade, social and domestic life, the world wars and a model cinema.
- Founded
- 1983
- Operated by
- Wellington Local History and Museum Society (registered charity 801321)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 2,500 (2024)
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
The museum describes itself as small and family-friendly.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
A regular bus service stops on the High Street.
By car
Parking available
There is a car park nearby.
The museum is in the old Squirrel Hotel at 28 Fore Street, in the centre of Wellington.
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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The museum welcomes pre-arranged visits from schools and community groups, with workshops linked to the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2, and it offers local history walks and talks. An extensive archive can be consulted on request. |
