History of Museum
The Museum was founded in 1893 by Herbert Balch, a local naturalist, caver and geologist who pioneered many of the techniques used by modern cavers and explored the Mendips’ underground labyrinths. Balch’s fine collection of local artefacts and memorabilia form the core of the Museum’s displays, which retains the best qualities of a private Victorian collection.
Originally the Museum occupied a room above the Cathedral cloisters, moving to its current premises in 1932 through the generosity of William Wyndham, a local benefactor. Herbert Balch was its first honorary curator. The building is a former canonical house, dating from the Elizabethan period. Recent excavations in the Museum’s garden uncovered even older artefacts including c14th pottery.
The Museum is an independent museum, governed by a board of Trustees and Managers. Somerset County Council Museum Service provides a curatorial advisor. The Museum is staffed mainly by a dedicated group of volunteers.
