The below pdf represent Tony Woolrich’s Museum Reminiscences. The Blake Museum in Bridgwater (Blake Street) opened on 15 April 1926 under the Borough Council. Early curators were librarians Gerald Cuzner and Angus Dunn, and early exhibits focused on Admiral Robert Blake and the Battle of Sedgemoor. Over time the museum expanded, adding a cottage adjacent to the Town Mill.
Following the 1974 abolition of the Borough Council, management passed to Sedgemoor District Council with both volunteer and professional staff, including education officer David Sebborn, who led school programmes (once involving historical costumes until child-protection laws curtailed this). In 2000 the Friends of Blake Museum formed to support the institution. In 2004 the museum bought the Chubb collection of art and manuscripts, prompting volunteer transcription work. In 2007, despite a successful “Blake 350” celebration, the District Council proposed closing the museum, prompting community action. The museum was gifted to the Town Council in 2009 and formally reopened after refurbishment.
Volunteer efforts reshaped galleries, gardens, and displays with modern lighting and digital resources. Woolrich himself became deeply involved, producing educational leaflets and coordinating history research. Through evolving leadership and passionate local support, the museum has become both a community treasure and an educational hub.
Also see Tony’s summary guide to the Architecture and History of Blake House here.