We are open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm (Closed Sundays and Mondays)
Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society
The history of Wells & Mendip Museum is intertwined with that of the Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society. The society was formed in 1888, and Herbert Balch, the founder of the museum, was one of its original members.
The society has a programme of winter lectures and a series of summer walks and excursions to places of interest in the region. The current programme is posted below.
As well as free access to the society's talks, members may use the museum and its facilities without charge. To join WNHAS, please download and complete the application form, and return it to the secretary at a meeting, drop it off at the front desk, or post as indicated on the form.
Chair: Mark Hutchinson
Secretary: Jane Burman
Programme
Indoor meetings are held in The Lecture Hall at Wells & Mendip Museum
Non-members of the Society are very welcome (£4.00)
See below the indoor programme for Autumn 2025 onwards,
and the Summer 2026 visits programme
The Lead Road, personal observations on the Roman Road between Salisbury and Charterhouse
David Walker
3 Oct 2025
at
6:00 pm
David Walker is the museum’s honorary curator. He has worked in the heritage sector for many years. He is passionate about the museum, and the natural and cultural character of the Mendip Hills. His talk will put the road into its historical context while throwing light on the importance of lead mining in Somerset to the Romans.
Nature recovery on the Mendip Hills
Tim Haselden
7 Nov 2025
at
7:00 pm
Tim Haselden is the Project Development Officer for the Mendip Hills National Landscape Team. His talk will focus on nature recovery, describing the champion species that inhabit the Mendip Hills and explaining what makes this landscape so special.
Christmas Crackers. Feasts & Banquets at the Bishop’s Palace
Dr Mark Hutchinson
5 Dec 2025
at
7:00 pm
Mark Hutchinson is the chairman of WNHAS and is a regular speaker at our events on wide range of topics. In this talk, Mark explores the delights that were put in front of the Bishop and his entourage. (Please note this is our festive talk at the museum – so expect mince pies and mulled wine!)
Mining & the Somerset Coalfield
Bryan Hawkins
6 Feb 2026
at
7:00 pm
As a young man, Bryan Hawkins worked in the Somerset Coalfields. He presents regularly, sharing his experiences and those of his family of working underground. His presentation includes rare footage of the steam winding engine that took him underground for the first time.
Note - Bryan's talk will be preceded by the WNHAS AGM
The Cosmos in Stone – Sacred Geometry of a Master Mason
Tom Bree
6 Mar 2026
at
7:00 pm
Tom Bree is “a Geometer-Artist, Teacher, Researcher and Writer”. In his talk he demonstrates how medieval Master Masons combined their knowledge of the practical building arts with ancient cosmological knowledge to endow their constructions with profound spiritual meaning. Wells Cathedral is the focus of his book, (also called “The Cosmos in Stone – Sacred Geometry of a Master Mason”) which will be available for purchase on the evening.
'Bees and Sugars'
Stewart Gould
10 Apr 2026
at
6:00 pm
Stewart Gould is a beekeeper of some 20 years standing, and a vice president of Somerset Beekeepers Association, and has taught beekeeping for the last 15 years. He keeps his bees in Ditcheat. Honey is basically sugar but there's much more to it than that as Stewart’s talk will show us.
Roman Charterhouse
Visit to Charterhouse*
7 May 2026
at
10:00 am
A guided walk around Blackmore and Charterhouse, where lead ore has been mined and processed into lead since Roman times and before.
* details to be confirmed
Dragonflies - Avalon Marshes Centre
Walk & Talk at the Avalon Marshes Centre with Jon Van-Gowler*
11 Jun 2026
at
10:00 am
Walk & Talk at the Avalon Marshes Centre with Jon Van-Gowler.
* details to be confirmed
Radstock Museum
Private tour of the museum*
9 Jul 2026
at
10:00 am