The Collections

Much of the original collection came mainly from the Coles family. This included stock from the ironmonger's shop housed within the building from 1872 to 1960 and further stock from the adjacent stationer's shop which had closed in 1872. This was complemented by a significant bequest of objects and photographs collected by local doctor and historian Sir Ernest Kaye le Fleming during the earlier 20th century. This was originally deposited at the Dorset County Museum in 1946, pending the opening of a museum in Wimborne. The collection has been further enhanced since 1962, by a process of donations, bequest and purchases.

The Archaeology Collection is of significance, as it includes material recovered from the late prehistoric and Romano-British site at Tarrant Hinton during excavations by members of the Museum in the 1960s and 1970s. This collection includes early evidence of TB within human remains, one of only two Romans pumps known in Britain, along with examples of rare wall plaster and significant Iron Age and Roman pottery.

The Museum also houses much important social and local history material, in particular items from the 19th and 20th centuries relating to domestic and rural life, crafts, trade and childhood. There are also major holdings of photographs, costume and ephemera. In all, over 35,000 objects are held by the Museum.