Whitaker Collection

Contains well over 2000 objects hoarded by the family who never threw anything away.

For over 300 years, the Whitaker family of Bratton, a small village near Trowbridge, lived in one house. The accumulation of their possessions resulted in this fascinating collection dating from the 18 and 19 centuries. Dr Marjorie Reeves inherited Yew Trees from her aunt Jane Whitaker and in 1977, she gave this collection to Trowbridge Museum. An eminant historian from Oxford University she wrote:

'When the generations of the living have gone, their shape still lingers, the profile of a family sketched in their material remains'.

The collection includes childrens toys and games, costume, books, photographs and many pieces of the women's handiwork - knitting, embroidery, netting, patchwork etc together with the tools they used.

Part of the collection is always on display in Trowbridge Museum.

For all of our collections, there is always so much more to see if you visit the Museum. Call Trowbidge Museum on 01225 751339 or email us for more information: info@trowbridgemuseum.co.uk