Gardens at the Museum

Wells & Mendip Museum

Wells & Mendip Museum was founded in 1893 by Herbert E. Balch, a renowned amateur archaeologist, naturalist and caver. The museum was intended to showcase his extensive collections of historical artefacts and natural specimens.  

The museum was formed with the vision of “maintaining a museum for the benefit of the public of the city of Wells and the Mendip area, and advancing the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the historical and natural environment of the Wells and Mendip area.” This vision remains at the core of the museum's activities.

We are still guided by our founder's principle to "Search and Learn."