Somerset Archives and Local Studies

17/06/2026

If you’re unable to visit us during our regular opening times, we’re open the morning of Saturday 11 July (9am-1pm) should you wish to undertake a spot of family history or local history research. Booking details can be found here: https://swheritage.org.uk/somerset-archives/home/somerset-heritage-centre/booking/.

As an added bonus, there will also be an archaeological finds surgery (booking is essential https://swheritage.org.uk/somerset-archives/home/somerset-heritage-centre/booking/), a pop-up exhibition celebrating gardening and a small plant swap stall (10am-12pm). Follow the link for further details 👉 https://swheritage.org.uk/events/plant-swap-and-display/ 🌹🐝

16/06/2026

There's still time to book a place for Friday's online Coffee Time Talk by special guest, Tom Mayberry (19 June, 10.30am-11.30am).

The former Somerset County Archivist and retired Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust will be reflecting on his life and career in archives and heritage. He'll also be talking about the remarkable characters who shaped the Somerset Record Office from the 1930s onwards and the creation of the Somerset Heritage Centre.

Further details can be found 👉 https://swheritage.org.uk/events/tom-mayberrys-life-in-archives/. We'd love to see you.

15/06/2026

Join us for a special online talk with Tom Mayberry, retired Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust and a much‑loved voice in Somerset’s heritage community.

📅 Friday 19 June, 10.30 am – 11.30 am
🎟️ £5, booking required
🔗 Coffee Time Talk: Tom Mayberry's Life in Archive

Tom will look back on his life in archives — from memorable characters at the Somerset Record Office to the extraordinary documents he’s worked with over the decades. He’ll also reflect on the long journey that led to the creation of the Somerset Heritage Centre.

If you’ve enjoyed Tom’s talks at the Museum or remember his beautiful Coleridge in Xanadu exhibition, this is a wonderful chance to hear more of his stories.


Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society What's On Somerset Live

15/06/2026

What do you think you know about Taunton? 👀

Discover how war and belief turned quiet streets into
battlegrounds and shaped the churches you still pass
today.⛪

Walk the route of England’s last rebellion and uncover
how one bold gamble changed Taunton forever.👣

See beyond the shopfronts to the town’s working past
where factories, foundries and workers built modern
Taunton.🏪

Follow the River Tone and uncover a forgotten world
where trade, industry and wildlife shaped the town’s
lifeblood.🚣

🎟️ Book via link in bio
Which one interests you? 👇

15/06/2026

As part of Pride Month we've partnered with the Brewhouse & put on an exhibition about the story of Charles (alias Mary, alias George, alias James!) Hamilton, an 18th century trans man from Somerset. Why not pop in & take a look & also discover how you can start researching LGBT history?

For further details visit www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/pride-at-taunton-brewhouse 🏳️‍🌈

15/06/2026

If you’re planning to visit the Somerset Heritage Centre to consult archives and local studies material from July onwards you can now book and pre-order documents and books using our online catalogue (https://somerset-cat.swheritage.org.uk/)

If you’re a little nervous about using the new system and would welcome some guidance on how to book and pre-order documents then you're in luck. We're running a drop-in familiarisation training session on Wednesday 17 June (11am-12pm) at the Somerset Heritage Centre to walk you through it. We’d love to see you.

If you're not able to make the drop-in session then fear not! We have a helpful online guide: https://somerset-cat.swheritage.org.uk/guides/Booking&onlinepreorders.

11/06/2026

🌟 We’re Hiring – Exhibitions and Programme Manager 🏛️

The South West Heritage Trust is seeking an experienced and creative Exhibitions and Programme Manager to lead the delivery of our ambitious exhibitions and public programme across Somerset and Devon.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in shaping a dynamic portfolio of exhibitions and engagement activities that spark curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, and connect audiences with the rich stories of the South West. Working collaboratively across teams and with external partners, you’ll help ensure our programme aligns with our strategic priorities and brings outstanding experiences to our communities.

You’ll be responsible for leading projects from concept to delivery, managing budgets, and supporting a wide-ranging public programme in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.

Key Information
📍 Location: Somerset Heritage Centre, Taunton
⏰ Hours: 37 hours per week
💼 Contract: Permanent
💷 FTE Salary: £38,079

Apply Now ⬇️
To read the full job description and apply, please visit our website.
Please note that CVs are not accepted, applications must be submitted using the South West Heritage Trust application form.

The South West Heritage Trust is committed to building an organisation as diverse as the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups under‑represented within the heritage sector.

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

A reminder that we have a guest speaker for this month's online Coffee Time Talk... none other than Tom Mayberry, former Somerset County Archivist and retired Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust.

He will be talking about his career in Somerset archives and heritage on Friday 19 June 2026. Further details, including how to book, can be found here: https://swheritage.org.uk/events/tom-mayberrys-life-in-archives/