Gold Hill Museum & Garden
About
Nestled in a traditional sandstone cottage at the top of the famous Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset, is this fascinating museum.
Gold Hill Museum in Shaftesbury is located at the top of Gold Hill, made famous by the Hovis bread advertisement in the 1970's. The museum building was one a doss house, which provided accommodation for the drovers, jugglers and traders who came to Shaftesbury's markets and fairs. Enjoy the museum's beautiful award-winning cottage garden where you can sit and relax.
The Museum has many items of local interest providing an insight into Shaftesbury's long history and its association with crafts such as the Dorset button-making industry. The museum's cottage garden enjoys views to Melbury Hill.
Do look at our website goldhillmuseum.org.uk for latest information.
Learning
We offer a range of hands-on history workshops for all Key Stages, which take place in our purpose built room and in the museum.
We are currently developing reminiscence sessions and activities for community groups, including artefact handling, replicas and costume, and craft activities.
Facilities
| Parking | |
| Refreshments | |
| Gift shop | Yes |
| Gardens/Grounds | Yes |
| Toilets | |
| Toilets for Wheelchair Users | |
| Guided Tours | |
| Audio Tours | |
| Wheelchair Accessability | Wide access to all galleries, disabled toilet and lift. |
| Induction Loop | |
| Facilities for the Blind / Visually Impaired | |
| Group Visits | |
| School Visits | |
| Outreach activities |
Contact
Gold Hill
Shaftesbury
Dorset
SP7 8JW
01747 852157
http://www.goldhillmuseum.org.uk
enquiries@goldhillmuseum.org.uk
Shaftesbury in its hilltop location was short of water and so from the 15th Century the unique ceremony of the Byzant was recorded. On a day in May, the mayor and town officials, followed by townspeople, processed downhill, to Enmore Green, where the wells provided water to the town. There, the Shaftesbury officials, carrying a Byzant, a large gilded mace decorated with jewels, ribbons, flowers and feathers, met the Lord of the Manor of Gillingham, owner of the wells. They gave him tribute for use of the water. This was specified as a decorated calf's head, a purse of money, a pair of gloves and two loaves of bread. Drinking of ale and dancing followed. A local artist, Janet Swiss, has painted a mural of a remembered reenactment of the ceremony, which greets visitors upon entry to Gold Hill Museum.
