John Moore Museum

The John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury is a quietly fascinating trio of heritage buildings dedicated to the natural world, rural crafts and local history. Founded in 1980 to honour John Moore, the celebrated nature writer born in the town, it offers an intimate look at the wildlife and traditional life of Gloucestershire. One of its most interesting facts is that the museum sits directly beside two remarkable historic structures: the Merchant’s House and the Tewkesbury Baptist Chapel, both preserved as part of the museum experience. Inside the main museum, visitors find an extensive collection of taxidermy, fossils, insects and birds, reflecting Moore’s passion for British wildlife. These displays are arranged to show habitats and behaviours, giving a naturalist’s view of the countryside. The Merchant’s House, a beautifully restored 15th‑century timber‑framed home, is a highlight. Its rooms recreate late medieval domestic life with authentic furniture, tools and everyday objects, offering a rare glimpse into how townspeople lived more than 500 years ago. The Baptist Chapel, dating from 1720, adds another layer of history. Its simple interior, original pews and atmospheric gallery reveal the story of early nonconformist worship in Tewkesbury.