The Thornbury & District Heritage Trust has been operating as a museum since 1986; it has gained the full status of a Registered Museum.
This community museum is run solely by volunteers. With the financial support of South Gloucestershire Council and Thornbury Town Council it provides a museum service for Thornbury and all the parishes of the Lower Severn Vale.
On exhibition are objects and archives connected with the local area. The collection and displays reflect the position of Thornbury as the centre of a farming community.
Changing displays by the Trust and exhibitions by local groups are shown in the exhibition gallery.
There is a small shop where publications of local interest may be purchased.
Guided walks and visits for interested groups are available by arrangement. The museum can accommodate small parties/school groups but please pre-book your visit.
Collecting and Research
The Trust's collection includes objects, archives, photographs and oral history which all help tell the story of Thornbury and its surrounding 14 parishes. The collection is placed in store and can be consulted for research purposes as well being used to create exhibitions and displays.
The museum has two research groups – both produce newsletters that are posted on the museum's web site. The Thornbury and District Research Group meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7.30.pm at the United Reformed Church and the Geology Group usually meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7.30.pm, also at The Chantry. Membership is free and all are welcome.
Research team members endeavour to answer enquiries whenever possible. We have various archives, censuses, parish records etc. at our disposal. We do not charge a fee for this service but donations to the “Thornbury and District Heritage Trust” are most welcome.
Educational Outreach
Children enjoying themselves at a recent Saturday club, 'Rock Experience' - a Geology Event.
For further details of children's activities, please contact the museum.
The thriving Friends of the Museum group publishes a regular newsletter and organizes a range of visits and social events. It's core aim is to support the museum with both addition funding for special projects and volunteers for events and museum activities.
If you have any further enquiries, please email us at
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Telephone no: 44 (0)1454 857774
Registered Charity No: 296345; Registered Company, Limited by Guarantee, No: 2087293
