Sherborne Museum

Sherborne Museum offers a wonderfully detailed portrait of the town’s past, housed in the former gatehouse of Sherborne Abbey. One of its most intriguing features is the collection of medieval artefacts linked to the abbey itself, including carved stone fragments and early manuscripts that reveal how the monastery shaped local life for centuries. The museum also preserves rare items from Sherborne’s once‑thriving glove‑making industry, with tools, patterns, and finished gloves showing how craftsmanship supported the town’s economy well into the 20th century. Inside, visitors can explore displays on Sherborne’s geology and natural history, featuring fossils from the surrounding hills and specimens that illustrate Dorset’s rich biodiversity. A standout is the recreated Victorian classroom, complete with original desks, slates, and teaching materials that capture the atmosphere of early schooling. Local art, maps, and photographs chart Sherborne’s evolution from medieval settlement to market town, while temporary exhibitions often highlight community stories and lesser‑known chapters of local heritage. Compact yet full of character, the museum offers an engaging mix of archaeology, industry, and everyday life, making it an ideal stop for anyone wanting to understand Sherborne’s unique identity.