Bridgwater Town Council is proud to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Blake Museum, marking a century of preserving and sharing the rich history and heritage of Bridgwater and the surrounding area.
Located in the historic former home of Robert Blake, Blake Museum first opened its doors in 1926 and has since become a key cultural landmark in the town. Over the past 100 years, the museum has played an important role in collecting, caring for and showcasing objects, stories and archives that reflect Bridgwater’s maritime, social and industrial past.
To mark this significant milestone, a programme of celebratory activities will take place. This will include a centenary exhibition celebrating 100 years of the museum, charting its history while giving residents and visitors the opportunity to explore the collections and reflect on the museum’s legacy.
The celebrations will culminate in an event in Blake Gardens on Saturday 22 August 2026, as part of the Living History Day.
Cllr Liz Leavy, Chair of the Blake Museum Steering Group said,
“Blake Museum has been an important part of Bridgwater’s cultural life for 100 years, telling the story of the town and the people who have shaped it. This centenary is an opportunity not only to look back at that history, but also to celebrate the museum’s ongoing role in education, community engagement and heritage preservation I would encourage all residents of the town to visit the museum and discover Bridgwater’s fascinating history for themselves.”
Today, Blake Museum is run by a dedicated team of volunteers, supported by the Friends of Blake Museum. The Friends group plays a vital role in fundraising to support improvement projects, helping to enhance the museum, its collections and the visitor experience.
Museum Curator Mike Searle said,
“Blake Museum’s collections tell the story of Bridgwater through the lives of its people, industries and traditions. Celebrating 100 years gives us the chance to reflect on how far the museum has come, while also looking ahead to how we can continue to share and protect the town’s heritage for future generations.”
The Chair of the Friends of Blake Museum, Stewart Richards added,
“For a century, Blake Museum has been cared for through the dedication of staff, volunteers and supporters who are passionate about Bridgwater’s heritage. Reaching this 100‑year milestone is a proud moment for everyone involved, and we are delighted to celebrate a museum that continues to inspire a strong sense of local identity.”
The museum’s centenary also highlights the continued importance of local museums in providing accessible spaces for learning, reflection and connection.
Bridgwater Town Council remains committed to supporting Blake Museum as it looks ahead to its next century.
