Wellington Museum, Somerset facts for kids
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Wellington Museum is a fantastic free museum located in Wellington, Somerset, England. It tells the story of Wellington's recent past, especially focusing on its important wool industry. The museum helps visitors understand how people lived and worked in the town.
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What You'll Discover Inside
The museum has many interesting displays. You can learn about the town's history, from farming to making things with iron. There's even an old bank note from a local bank called Fox, Fowler and Company. This bank was once a very important part of the town's economy.
The Wool Industry
Wellington was famous for its wool. The museum shows how wool was processed and turned into cloth. This industry provided many jobs for people in the area. It was a big part of the town's identity for a long time.
Iron Founding and Other Trades
Besides wool, the town also had other important businesses. Iron founding, which is the process of making things from melted iron, was another key industry. The museum highlights these different trades that helped Wellington grow.
The Duke of Wellington's Connection
You'll also find out about Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. He was a famous British general and statesman. The town of Wellington was named after him, and the museum explores his links to the area. He is a very important historical figure.
The Museum Building's History
The building where the museum is located has its own interesting story. It was built a long time ago in the 17th century. Back then, it was known as "The Squirrel Hotel." The building still has some of its original features, like porches and bay windows.
Why "The Squirrel"?
The name "The Squirrel" came from the symbol of a local family. The Bluetts of Holcombe Rogus were important landowners in the area. Their family symbol was a squirrel, and that's how the hotel got its name.
A Special Building
This historic building is officially recognized as a Grade II listed building. This means it's a very important building that needs to be protected. It shows how special and old the structure is.
More Than Just a Museum
The building is also a busy place for the community. It's home to the town council, which helps run the town. The Local History Society also meets there. They work to preserve and share the history of Wellington.
