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Market House Museum facts for kids

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Market House Museum
Market House Museum.JPG
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Established 1979
Location Watchet, Somerset
Nearest parking Two municipal nearby

The Market House Museum is a cool little museum located in the town of Watchet, which is in Somerset, England. It's a great place to learn about the history of the area!

History of the Museum Building

The museum building you see today on Market Street was built a long time ago, in 1820. It stands where an even older market house used to be, which was taken down in 1805. For many years, this building served as a market. Then, in 1979, it was turned into the museum we know today. It's also a special 'Grade II listed building,' which means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected.

What Can You See Inside?

Inside the Market House Museum, you'll find lots of interesting things! The museum mainly shows off the natural history of Watchet and the areas nearby. A big part of what you'll see is about the town's connection to the sea. Watchet has always been an important port, so there are many exhibits about ships, sailors, and sea adventures.

Types of Collections

The museum has many different types of items, called 'artefacts.' These include:

  • Archaeology: Old items found from digging in the ground.
  • Coins and Medals: Money and special awards from different times.
  • Land Transport: Things about how people used to travel on land.
  • Maritime: Items related to the sea, ships, and sailing.
  • Natural Sciences: Exhibits about local plants, animals, and rocks.
  • Science and Technology: Old tools and inventions.
  • Social History: Things that show how people lived their daily lives in the past.

The Old Lock-Up

Right behind the main museum building, you can find the old town lock-up. This was a small, strong building where people who broke the law were held for a short time. It's a fascinating glimpse into how things were handled long ago!

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