Sherborne Museum will be closed from 1.30pm on Saturday 8th June owing to a shortage of volunteers. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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The heart of the community

since 1966

Sherborne Museum

A movement to establish a museum at Sherborne gained momentum in the 1950s, spearheaded by local historian and author, Joseph Fowler (1872-1958), and the Sherborne Historical Society.

It wasn’t until 1966, however, that Sherborne Museum Association was founded and the challenge to find suitable premises began in earnest. Although several other options were considered, the Abbey Gatehouse was settled upon as the ideal location in the centre of the town. The purchase of the building was made possible owing to a generous donation from Frederick Marsden (1897-1981), the owner of Sherborne’s fibreglass factory, Marglass Ltd.

Sherborne Museum opening ceremony 1968

Sherborne Museum

A movement to establish a museum at Sherborne gained momentum in the 1950s, spearheaded by local historian and author, Joseph Fowler (1872-1958), and the Sherborne Historical Society.

It wasn’t until 1966, however, that Sherborne Museum Association was founded and the challenge to find suitable premises began in earnest. Although several other options were considered, the Abbey Gatehouse was settled upon as the ideal location in the centre of the town. The purchase of the building was made possible owing to a generous donation from Frederick Marsden (1897-1981), the owner of Sherborne’s fibreglass factory, Marglass Ltd.

Sherborne Museum opening ceremony 1968

Sherborne Museum was formally opened on Sunday 5th May 1968 by Sir Owen Morshead GCVO, KCB, DSO, MC (1893-1977), who referred to it in his opening speech as “this little jewel.” Since that time it has continued to evolve. In 1997, following an ambitious fundraising campaign and successful grant application, the museum was able to extend into the adjoining property and significantly enlarge its exhibition space. In recognition of its increasing professionalism and high standards, Accreditation was awarded in 2007 by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and this continues to be upheld by Arts Council England. The museum’s first Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS) award was presented by Visit England in 2016 as a mark of its excellence in customer care.

The governing body of Sherborne Museum changed its status from an unincorporated charity to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2018 to further increase its resilience and sustainability. Despite the passage of fifty years and continuing development, the museum continues to stay true to its founding principles: to educate, inform and inspire the community and to protect and promote the unique heritage of Sherborne and its surrounding villages.

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The Abbey Gatehouse

One of the museum’s most important assets is its Grade II listed building, the Abbey Gatehouse, with its medieval footprint and an impressive Victorian facade.

It has always been at the heart of the community. The structure once formed part of the east gatehouse to the former Benedictine monastery and is believed to have been built during a 12th century campaign of works attributable to William Thorncombe, sacrist of the Abbey and brother of Abbot Clement (fl.1160).

The gatehouse provided lodgings for a porter, whose role was to control access to the monastic precinct. Although much altered,  tangible links to the building’s history are the two squints on the first and second floors, which allowed surveillance of approaching traffic. The adjoining arch is an iconic landmark in Sherborne and may be the remains of a covered gateway sufficiently lofty for the passage of visitors on horseback. The iron hooks which once carried the heavy wooden gates are still visible embedded in the masonry.

Following the surrender of Sherborne Abbey to the Crown in 1539, most of its buildings were sold off for secular purposes. Little is known of the east gatehouse during this time. The archway is likely, however, to have played a grisly role in displaying body parts of the twelve local men who were hanged, drawn and quartered for supporting the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. In fact, the churchwardens’ accounts of the following year record the payment of 16 shillings to Henry Justins for “taking down and burying the quarters.”

Deeds show that, by 1790, the Abbey Gatehouse was occupied by William Hodges, a stationer and bookseller. In the 19th century the building became home to a succession of glass, china and earthenware dealers; the most notable of these was Joseph Ridout Gartell (1827-1899), who took over the business from his uncle and remained a familiar presence in Church Lane for over forty years. The property later passed into the hands of the Master and Brethren of the Almshouse and was leased to George King (1859-1932), verger of Sherborne Abbey.

Sherborne Abbey Gatehouse Circa 1890s
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Sherborne Abbey Gatehouse Circa 1890s

The Abbey Gatehouse

One of the museum’s most important assets is its Grade II listed building, the Abbey Gatehouse, with its medieval footprint and an impressive Victorian facade.

It has always been at the heart of the community. The structure once formed part of the east gatehouse to the former Benedictine monastery and is believed to have been built during a 12th century campaign of works attributable to William Thorncombe, sacrist of the Abbey and brother of Abbot Clement (fl.1160).

The gatehouse provided lodgings for a porter, whose role was to control access to the monastic precinct. Although much altered,  tangible links to the building’s history are the two squints on the first and second floors, which allowed surveillance of approaching traffic. The adjoining arch is an iconic landmark in Sherborne and may be the remains of a covered gateway sufficiently lofty for the passage of visitors on horseback. The iron hooks which once carried the heavy wooden gates are still visible embedded in the masonry.

Following the surrender of Sherborne Abbey to the Crown in 1539, most of its buildings were sold off for secular purposes. Little is known of the east gatehouse during this time. The archway is likely, however, to have played a grisly role in displaying body parts of the twelve local men who were hanged, drawn and quartered for supporting the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. In fact, the churchwardens’ accounts of the following year record the payment of 16 shillings to Henry Justins for “taking down and burying the quarters.”

Deeds show that, by 1790, the Abbey Gatehouse was occupied by William Hodges, a stationer and bookseller. In the 19th century the building became home to a succession of glass, china and earthenware dealers; the most notable of these was Joseph Ridout Gartell (1827-1899), who took over the business from his uncle and remained a familiar presence in Church Lane for over forty years. The property later passed into the hands of the Master and Brethren of the Almshouse and was leased to George King (1859-1932), verger of Sherborne Abbey.

Visit the Museum

Visit the
Museum

Whether you’re staying in Sherborne for a week or simply exploring for the day, the museum is key to the visitor experience. Here’s how you’ll find us.

Plan your visit

Exhibitions & Events

Learn more about our latest temporary exhibitions, family-friendly events and popular winter talks programme. These are a great way to engage with and be inspired by our collections.

Exhibitions

Visit the
Museum

Whether you’re staying in Sherborne for a week or simply exploring for the day, the museum is key to the visitor experience. Here’s how you’ll find us.

Plan your visit

Exhibitions & Events

Learn more about our latest temporary exhibitions, family-friendly events and popular winter talks programme. These are a great way to engage with and be inspired by our collections.

Exhibitions
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