Wiltshire Museum

13/10/2026

Science, Folklore and the Unexplained
Join Louise Ryland-Epton's online talk on Wednesday 21 October, at 7.30pm.

John Aubrey (1626-1697) is best known as a polymathic antiquarian with a deep interest in the supernatural.
Yet Aubrey was a scientist too, and often combined his curiosity for folk wisdom and the unexplained with revolutionary scientific insights.

Sadly, his major work on the subject, the Natural History of Wiltshire, was not published in his lifetime, and subsequently only in truncated form. In it, Aubrey vigorously applied scientific method not only to conventional flora and fauna, but also to the phenomena of dragons, ghosts, witches, magic rings, secret tunnels, murderous clouds, and giants – a fervour that led to an African expedition to hunt for a two-legged dragon, the Wyvern.
Dr Louise Ryland-Epton invites us to discover more about Aubrey’s extraordinary world in this his 400th anniversary year and in celebration of her publication of his Natural History in full for the first time.

Book your tickets on our website:
https://www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/news-articles/event/online-talk-science-folklore-and-the-unexplained-john-aubreys-natural-history/?event_date=2026-10-21

12/10/2026

With our Oexmann Art Competition Award Evening taking place last night, here were the winners! With special thanks to our judges Mitch Griffiths, Anna Dillon & Rob Pountney who had the incredibly hard task of chosing the winners & the artwork to display in the exhibition.
Well done once again to each artist who entered this years Oexmann Art Competition, you really did give the judges a hard task!
Our Oexmann Art Exhibition is now open until Saturday 21 November at Wiltshire Museum

12/10/2026

If you enjoyed this article, you should join us on Wednesday 21 October where Dr Louise Ryland-Epton will talk about Aubrey's fascination with Wiltshire's natural history, his curiosity for folk wisdom AND the unexplained with revolutionary scientific insights.

A historian has transcribed and published in full, for the first time, a huge volume by pioneer John Aubrey.

10/10/2026

Join us this Halloween at Wiltshire Museum for
The Ghost of The Manton Lady talk by Martyn Barber

In 1906, Maud Cunnington and her husband, Ben undertook their first ever excavation – a Bronze Age round barrow at Manton, just west of Marlborough. It contained a female skeleton and a rich array of grave goods, all of which can be viewed in the museum (the grave goods, that is).

This talk, however, focuses on what happened next – a number of strange occurrences (wailing banshee, blood on the walls, a list of unexplainable things) that suggested to some that the occupant of the barrow was unhappy about being disturbed.
Join us this Halloween at Wiltshire Museum for a glass of w**e and to hear everything Martyn Barber has to say on this subject!

When: Saturday 31st October
Where: Wiltshire Museum
Time: 5pm – 6:30pm

Book your tickets here:
https://www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/news-articles/event/ghost-of-the-manton-lady/?event_date=2026-10-31

09/10/2026

Join us for family activity themed fun tomorrow, Saturday 10th October for gallery trails, objects and crafts!

This is a new trial session aimed at families with children under 8 years, the activities will run between 1 – 4pm and visitors can drop in throughout this time and take part.

Normal adult admission costs apply, but there is no extra charge for the activities.

https://www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/news-articles/event/family-fun/?event_date=2026-10-10

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09/10/2026

This we have a medieval copper alloy and enamel Limoges hollow cast figurine from a crucifix, dating to AD 1150-1250. The figurine depicts Christ, moulded in relief, upon the cross.
He is wearing a three-point crown. His eyes are recessed cells, and the cells were once set with glass or stone (a tiny cream coloured stone found with the find may be one of the eyes). His arms are stretched out horizontally, with hands curving upwards. The hands are incomplete as a semi-circle in each would have housed rivets to nail the figure to the crucifix. His loin cloth sits just below his waist.
Its front pleats are straight with side pleats curving around towards the front, reminiscent of folded wings. The pleats are filled with remains of bright blue enamel, and dark blue enamel lines delineate the outer edges. There are two light blue enamel possible buttons at the front of the garment.
There are no traces of gilding remain.
Found in Hilmarton, a village in North Wiltshire in 2025.

Read more about this item here:
https://www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/item-record/a58d6b08-7a1b-3c58-aef0-e73d16360c8b/?s%3Dfigurine%26page%3D2&pos=51

08/10/2026

Saturday 10th October, our Oexmann Art Exhibition opens it's doors.
Featuring all artworks selected by the judges of this years Oexmann Art Competition, including the winners.
Another huge thank you and well done to all those who took part in this years competition - it really was an amazing selection!

This exhibition runs until Saturday 21st November

08/10/2026

It's getting closer and closer!

Work is set to begin on the transformation of Devizes’ historic Assize Court as part of a £14.8 million project.

07/10/2026

Our next Home Education Session is on Wednesday 21st October.
This month we look at The Romans!
Come along and identify Roman mystery objects, discover animals hidden in the Roman gallery and try some Roman crafts (including fresco painting and creating a mosaic)

Book your tickets on our website -
Under 11's:
https://www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/news-articles/event/home-education-session-romans-under-11s/?event_date=2026-10-21

Over 8's:
https://www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/news-articles/event/home-education-session-romans-over-8s/?event_date=2026-10-21