The Museum

In 1960, Miss Hilda Coles closed the family ironmonger's shop situated within her historic town house and in 1962 opened the Priest's House Museum in its place. Initially, the Museum consisted of three rooms on the ground floor, run for 25 years by Miss Coles with a team of volunteers and support from the local community. Miss Coles died in 1987, and the house and garden were left to the Minster Governors, a local ancient charitable trust. Miss Coles requested that the building should be used as a museum for the town and district, and provided an endowment income.

Today the Museum is governed by a board of Trustees in partnership with East Dorset District Council, who employ two professional curators. In addition over 100 volunteers help with all aspects of the Museum.

The Museum displays occupy ten rooms, with the remainder being used as offices and stores. The award winning garden is a highlight for many visitors, and this includes the Boat-house Tea Room and a display of large agricultural and horticultural implements.

The Museum has won various awards for its creative display and education programmes, and it continues as a very active and lively community service managed on a highly professional basis.