The Thomas Poole Library

The Thomas Poole Library The Thomas Poole Library works in partnership with the Somerset Library Service He took over the tanning business and was also a farmer.

Tom Poole was born in 1765, the eldest son of a tanner, and one of a large respected local family. He had little formal education, but was no country bumpkin. Well-read, enquiring, and outspoken, Poole was regarded as a radical and was branded ‘the most dangerous person in the country’ by the government officials. Despite this he was a welcome guest at the houses of the country gentry. Poole’s leg

acy to Nether Stowey is profound. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the poor and employed many local people. He was a magistrate, supported the Sunday School movement, and in 1806 established the Stowey Female Friendly Society to aid women in times of sickness and distress. Every year members processed through the village for a church service, a custom that continues today. Poole funded and built the village school in 1812-13 on land in his tanyard. It was one of the first free schools in the country, offering vital education for up to 200 children and is now part of the library building. Poole was devoted to Samuel Coleridge who was an English poet of the Romantic Movement and possibly best known for his allegorical sea-faring poem, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”. Coleridge lived for a time in Nether Stowey and continually escaped from the domestic chaos of his Lime Street cottage to the peaceful sanctuary of Poole’s Castle Street book room. Here the Wordsworths, Charles Lamb and other literary men of the day met to talk and exchange ideas. Faithful and constant, Poole wrote ‘By you, Coleridge, I will always stand, in sickness and health’.

07/09/2026

ANDREW CROSSE AND THE
MITE THAT SHOCKED THE WORLDJoin local historian Brian Wright as he separates myth from reality, re...
01/09/2026

ANDREW CROSSE AND THE
MITE THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD

Join local historian Brian Wright as he separates myth from reality, revealing the fascinating life of Somerset innovator Andrew Crosse, whose remarkable story continues to captivate audiences nearly two centuries later.

Discover the extraordinary true story of one of Somerset’s most remarkable - and misunderstood - scientists.

A captivating talk combining science, history, mystery, and the surprising truth behind a local scientific legend.

You can book your tickets here: https://www.thomaspoolelibrary.org.uk/events/andrew-crosse-and-the-mite-that-shocked-the-world/
OR
email [email protected]  
OR
call the library on 07734 968940.

31/08/2026

September means back to school, so if you’re looking for help with homework, check out our selection of children’s reference books!

A big thank you to Claudia Ferriday for the fab display in the Community Cabinet for September! 🤩Some of her craftwork i...
29/08/2026

A big thank you to Claudia Ferriday for the fab display in the Community Cabinet for September! 🤩

Some of her craftwork is for sale so pop down during library opening hours and take a look!

https://www.thomaspoolelibrary.org.uk/

Did you know that your library card gives you FREE access to e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines on BorrowBox? Simply ...
24/08/2026

Did you know that your library card gives you FREE access to e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines on BorrowBox?

Simply download the BorrowBox app and enter your library card number.

Perfect for reading anytime, anywhere!

https://somersetuk.borrowbox.com

21/08/2026

The Shed, our second-hand book shop, is open every Saturday, but we also have a changing display of books for sale in the main library. No fixed prices, simply make a donation!

17/08/2026
14/08/2026

Join us for Storytime at the Thomas Poole Library!
Every Monday morning (except Bank Holidays) from 11am to 11.30am.
A fun half hour of stories and nursery rhymes.

Address

Castle Street, Nether Stowey
Bridgwater
TA51LN

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 1pm
Wednesday 10am - 1pm
Thursday 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Friday 10am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm

Telephone

+441278732741

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Thomas Poole Library posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to The Thomas Poole Library:

Shortcuts

Share

Category