Somerset
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums
Archaeology & History Sites in Somerset
Blaise Castle
Fans of the famous novelist Jane Austen may recognise Blaise Castle from its mention in her novel Northanger Abbey, published posthumously in 1817. Rather than being an original medieval fortification, Blaise Castle is a Gothic Revivalist folly built in 1766. The Scot architect Robert Mylne created it for the sugar merchant/Slave Trade investor Thomas Farr, a resident at the nearby Blaise Castle House. Restored in 1957, it is now a Grade II* listed building.

Nunney Castle
The impressive moated Nunney Castle was built sometime around 1370 CE. Located in the historic town of Frome, the defences were built by a knight from the area called Sir John de la Mare. Now a ruin, the castle’s structural layout consisted of a tower with a conical-roofed turret at each of its four corners. There would also have been a courtyard originally. Nunney Castle was modernised in the 16th century but suffered significant damage during the English civil war. Remarkably, much of the main structure still survives.

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Museums & Art Galleries in Somerset
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is housed in a glorious Edwardian building and contains 19 galleries across 3 floors. The exhibitions comprise natural history, art, archaeology and geology from around the world. The ground floor contains the Archaeology and World Cultures collections, with a play and learn space for under 7’s. The first floor ‘wows’ with geology, dinosaur and wildlife galleries – the second floor hosts art galleries.
