Museum
King John’s Hunting Lodge dates from around 1500 and used to be a wool merchant’s house. From the 1640’s until c1779 it was the Kings Head pub, and the carved head served as the pub sign. It is not known whether this was King John! Most certainly the building did not exist in King Johns time.
The property is owned by the National Trust and ran as as a local history museum by Axbridge and District Museum Trust, in co-operation with Somerset Council and Southwest Heritage Trust. It is a grade II* listed building.
In 1340 a building called the “Stockhouse” and owned by a John Oldeway occupied the same site. It is one of a number in the town. In the last two hundred years, various shops were run from the premises and various changes were made which caused its decline. A Miss Ripley bought it and bequeathed it to the National Trust who undertook restoration work to turn it into the structure we see today. At the time this did cause some consternation as some fine 18th century windows had to be removed.
The Museum tries to show the history and geology of Axbridge and the surrounding area. Some of the exhibits are permanent while others may be changed or updated from time to time. KJHL already houses some of the Town Trusts assets and will house the Maces on retirement and the Banners after they have been restored.
The Museum is open from April to October each year., Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) from 13:00 to 16:00. Admission is FREE.
Admission to the museum is free to members of the National Trust.
