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<< Our Photo Pages >> Peat Moors Centre - Museum in England in Somerset

Submitted by Andy B on Monday, 07 June 2010  Page Views: 73580

MuseumsSite Name: Peat Moors Centre Alternative Name: Peat Moors Visitor Centre
Country: England County: Somerset Type: Museum
Nearest Town: Glastonbury  Nearest Village: Westhay
Map Ref: ST429419  Landranger Map Number: 182
Latitude: 51.173473N  Longitude: 2.818155W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
Destroyed Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
4 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
5 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
3

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Peat Moors Centre
Peat Moors Centre submitted by DavidRaven : I particularly like the horse skull over the door. My sort of 'des res' :-) (Vote or comment on this photo)
Museum in Somerset (now closed). Reconstructions of many prehistoric structures including Iron Age roundhouses and prehistoric trackways.

The Peat Moors centre is now closed but we will keep this page to display the archive photos of fascinating reconstructions they had there. There are new reconstructions being built at the nearby Avalon Marshes Visitor Centre.

Note: Plans afoot for new Somerset Lake Village Project, see latest comment.
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Peat Moors Centre - Sweet Track
Peat Moors Centre - Sweet Track submitted by Andy B : Another view of the reconstruction of the Sweet Track that was at the Peat Moors Visitor Centre. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Peat Moors Centre - Sweet Track
Peat Moors Centre - Sweet Track submitted by Andy B : The reconstruction of the Sweet Track that was at the Peat Moors Visitor Centre. Strangely, this is my bestselling photo, having been published in several books and magazine articles over the years. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Peat Moors Centre
Peat Moors Centre submitted by DavidRaven : Friendly, authentic-looking person poses for the Portal. I included the electricity pylons in the background just to show I didn't *really* use the ability to travel back in time. Well, not on this occasion. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Peat Moors Centre
Peat Moors Centre submitted by mishkin : A blacksmithing show was put on for our group, very impressive in the dark smoky hut. There is a beautiful iron age wooden hub cap at the Glastonbury Museum. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Peat Moors Centre
Peat Moors Centre submitted by mishkin : Replica boat, hollowed out tree trunk.

Peat Moors Centre
Peat Moors Centre submitted by mishkin : Not sure what these were, but visited the Peat Moor Centre about 3 years ago, presumed they were bee hives. They were also growing woad in the dark peaty soil and other herbs. Acid peat must have brought out the blue in woad...

Peat Moors Centre
Peat Moors Centre submitted by JimChampion : This is as far as we got - its not open on Wednesdays :( As compensation you can turn a handle on the blue box and hear someone tell their memories of cider drinking and peat cutting.

Peat Moors Centre - The Abbot's Way
Peat Moors Centre - The Abbot's Way submitted by Andy B : The Abbot's Way, another reconstruction from the Peat Moors Visitor Centre, originally from c.2000BC.

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Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 670m SSW 206° Avalon Marshes Visitor Centre* Museum (ST426413)
 1.2km WNW 300° Abbot's Way* Ancient Trackway (ST419425)
 1.2km SSW 204° Sweet Track* Ancient Trackway (ST424408)
 1.8km E 83° Meare Lake Village Ancient Village or Settlement (ST4472642100)
 4.4km WSW 244° Holy Well (Edington)* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (ST3888639970)
 5.9km W 259° Sulphur spring Holy Well or Sacred Spring (ST37124085)
 6.5km E 100° Glastonbury Lake Village* Ancient Village or Settlement (ST493407)
 7.6km ESE 113° Market Cross (Glastonbury) Ancient Cross (ST4987538924)
 7.6km ESE 113° Glastonbury Lake Village Museum* Museum (ST499389)
 7.7km NW 320° Mark Village Cross* Ancient Cross (ST3804947838)
 7.7km ESE 113° St Joseph's Well* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (ST49993883)
 7.9km ESE 113° Omphalos Stone (Glastonbury Abbey)* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (ST501387)
 8.5km ESE 113° Chalice Well* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (ST507385)
 8.5km ESE 113° White Spring (Somerset)* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (ST5073238506)
 8.5km NNW 346° Chapel Allerton Cross* Ancient Cross (ST4089050199)
 8.9km ESE 111° Glastonbury Tor* Ancient Village or Settlement (ST51223861)
 9.1km SSW 203° Greylake Mesolithic open-air cemetery Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (ST393335)
 9.9km SW 221° Westonzoyland Cursus Cursus (ST36263450)
 10.0km E 83° Harters Hill* Ancient Trackway (ST529430)
 10.5km WSW 243° Chedzoy Cursus Cursus (ST33503721)
 10.9km N 352° Weare Churchyard Cross* Ancient Cross (ST4140952670)
 11.1km NNE 26° Batcombe Hollow south standing stone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (ST4782451823)
 11.1km SSE 150° Dundon Hill* Hillfort (ST484322)
 11.2km NNE 34° Westbury Camp* Hillfort (ST49205112)
 11.2km ESE 111° Ponter's Ball Dyke Ancient Village or Settlement (ST533377)
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"Peat Moors Centre" | Login/Create an Account | 31 News and Comments
  
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Re: Peat Moors Centre by Anonymous on Tuesday, 24 January 2017
Was this website for this? peatmoorscentre.org.uk
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Peat Moors Centre by Anonymous on Friday, 26 November 2010
I am planning a visit to Somerset shortly and I was hoping to take my young son to look at the wonderful roundhouses. I went a few years ago and found it to be very atmospheric. I am therefore greatly saddened by the centre's closure, both as a mother, anxious to give her son new and stimulating experiences, but also as a lecturer of seventeen years standing in the field of archaeology. It is truly a great shame and in today's climate I guess there is little chance of getting it re-opened. I haven't read all the other comments yet, but I presume there was a petition of some description to keep it open?

Yours

G. Walker of Cheshire
[ Reply to This ]

Plans for a new lake village by Andy B on Monday, 07 June 2010
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Eddie Wills writes: The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a Stage One grant to the Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership for the promotion of the natural and cultural heritage of this unique region. It provides an exciting opportunity to build on the success of the Peat Moors Centre.

Since the closure of the Centre last October, its former staff have not been idle. With help from our associates we are in the process of setting up the 'Somerset Lake Village Project' with the aim of developing a reconstructed Iron Age lake village in the Avalon Marshes, something which has been talked about many times over the years.

Our intention is to run the project as a Community Interest Company with support from a 'Friends' organisation, along the lines of Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire.

As a Community Interest Company we would conduct the business for community benefit rather than personal advantage.

We have every belief the Somerset Lake Village Project would be successful given the high demand the Peat Moors Centre had from schools for visits, which often exceeded capacity. We also had an international profile and I was contacted earlier this year by group leaders from both the States and Australia in the hoping to bring a parties again.

We are currently in the process of identifying a suitable site in the Avalon Marshes, so news of the award of this grant has come at an extremely opportune time for us. We will certainly require resources to help develop the site when we find it.

We believe we are well placed to help the Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership achieve its aims with a project that will compliment and enhance the proposed Avalon Marshes Wetland Centre, so we look forward to supporting the partnership as it moves towards it's Stage Two application.

We would be very pleased to hear from anyone wishing to support our project by writing to us, Somerset Lake Village Project, Beonna House, St. Mary's Road, Meare, Glastonbury, BA6 9SR or e-mailing SLVP@oldboar.net.

Eddie Wills Formerly warden, Peat Moors Centre

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/news/Plans-new-lake-village/article-2239489-detail/article.html
[ Reply to This ]

Peat Moors Centre, October events 2009 by coldrum on Tuesday, 06 October 2009
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Peat Moors Centre, October events 2009

October Events

Saturday 10 10am-4.00pm Flint knapping demonstration. Peat Moors Centre

Saturday 17 10am-4.00pm Bronze Axe workshop. This workshop centres on the smelting of copper and tin ores, forging and hardening of bronze, leading to the cleaning and decorating of your own bronze axe. The exquisitely decorated axe featured in this workshop is one of the few axes found close to Stonehenge. £45. Maximum of 10 students.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL 01458 860697

Sunday 18 10am-4.00pm Halstatt "C" sword making. As metalwork technology improved so the length of Bronze-Age blades increased. At 72cm these swords are a true indication of status! £120.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL 01458 86069

Sunday 25 2.30pm-5.00pm Samhain Storyfest for the Bardic Chair of the Avalon Marshes. 9th Annual story-telling event, ending with the burning of a Wicker Man!

Satuday 31 10am-4.00pm The March of History. As the Peat Moors Centre closes its gates for the last time, a Roman Legion arrives to symbolically close the Celtic settlement.

For events and activities at the Peat Moors Centre please Contact:

Tel: 01458 860697

e-mail: peatmoorscentre@somerset.gov.uk

http://www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset/cultureheritage/heritage/pmc/events/
[ Reply to This ]

Council Contacts by coldrum on Monday, 29 June 2009
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From We will always love you Peat Moors Centre! Facebook group:

It's worth noting that the Tory councillors and David Heathcoat-Amory (DHA) all condemned the then LibDem controlled council for arranging the closure of the Peat Moors Centre (PMC).

See here for a page where DHA is condemning the decision: http://www.davidheathcoatamory.co.uk/news_detail.php?nid=210

Here's their master manifesto from the 2009 campaign where they roundly condemn the closure: http://tinyurl.com/lfdt5v

Here's a link where Ron Forrest, newly elected member of Somerset County Council condems the closure: http://tinyurl.com/koxonn

This is Ron Forrest's contact page: http://www.somerset.gov.uk/council/member.asp?member_id=126

And here's DHA's contact page: http://www.davidheathcoatamory.co.uk/page.php?pid=6


I was sent the above information by Matt and wish to thank him. These are the people to hound. And maybe quote some of their promises back to them. :)

Thanks all.

Nicola

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712363867&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=77842350800
[ Reply to This ]

County council change by coldrum on Saturday, 13 June 2009
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Just received this from "We will always love you Peat Moors Centre!" Facebook group:

Subject: County council

Hi all.
The county council has been changed to Conservatives due to county council elections. This means that they will reasses the budget with any luck we may be able to persuade them to keep the centre open. So I am asking everyone to please write to the Council and ask them to reconsider and hopefully they will change their minds.

Thanks all,

Nic :)

Its not over until the Romans Invade!

http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1175293664160#/group.php?gid=77842350800
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Events 2009 by coldrum on Monday, 01 June 2009
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Also

6th and 7th of June 10-4 :- Parisii Tribe. Iron Age living history display.

20th June 10-4 :- Flint knapping demonstration.
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Save the Peat Moors Centre Petition by Anonymous on Wednesday, 25 February 2009
This is a big big mistake. Very shortsighted. The Levels are of great archaeological and cultural importance and the Peat Moors Centre did an excellent job of interpreting the landscape. Were the area to become a World Heritage site, as it most definitely should, the Peat Moors Centre would be an enormous asset to the many vistors to the area. Someone is not thinking very clearly when they made this decision.
[ Reply to This ]

Save the Peat Moors Centre by coldrum on Wednesday, 18 February 2009
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A recent post on Facebook has confirmed that the council will close the center at the end of this years season:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=77842350800&ref=ts

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=51090753425
[ Reply to This ]

Council approve decision to close centre by Anonymous on Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Dear Friends,

I am sorry to have to tell you that I have just heard that Somerset County Council have approved the budget savings that will include closing the Peat Moors Centre. There was apparently no discussion.

We still have the 2009 season to look forward to, and I hope as many of you as are able can come to see to see us before the end. I like to think that this also buys us time to explore possible alternative options for a future for the Centre.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support which I find very humbling.

Peace be with you,

Eddie,
Warden, Peat Moors Centre
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Council approve decision to close centre by AngieLake on Wednesday, 18 February 2009
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    Dear Eddie

    Am truly sorry to hear this news.

    Don't give up hope. Surely some kind, rich benefactor will come along who has more heart and common sense than Somerset Council?
    What about the Lottery grants?, or how about approaching Prince Charles, he might be sympathetic? - or Paul McCartney?.. there are three you could try.

    Will definitely come up to see the centre this summer.

    Best wishes
    Angie
    [ Reply to This ]
      Re: Council approve decision to close centre by Anonymous on Wednesday, 13 May 2009
      This is such a loss. I live in Meare, only 2 minutes away, and read something about the possiblility of starting up a "Friends of the Peat Moors Centre" whereby people could buy an annual membership which would go some way towards the funding.

      Is this not a possiblility?

      Would it still need Council Approval?
      [ Reply to This ]

Re: Save the Peat Moors Centre Petition by Anonymous on Wednesday, 18 February 2009
This article appeared in (Thisis) Somerset co.uk.... yesterday


"Fury at suggestion of visitor centre closure"



http://tinyurl.com/cbwcmj
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Peat Moors Centre by coldrum on Thursday, 12 February 2009
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A reply I got from an email sent to Somerset council.

Thank you for your enquiry concerning the Peat Moors Centre at Westhay.

Somerset County Council is considering the closure in its present form of the Peat Moors Centre. The proposal is part of a series of measures which respond to the County Council's very real need to achieve cost savings.

I agree with you about the value of living history experiences and believe that such experiences will continue to be available by other means even if closure is decided upon. We are supporting a feasibility study which Natural England is undertaking to see whether they can create an Avalon Marshes Visitor Centre on the Westhay site to serve as a gateway to the National Nature Reserves on the levels and moors. At the same time we are investing in the Somerset Rural Life Museum at Glastonbury and in the creation of the new Museum of Somerset at Taunton. Both museums will be supported by a much-developed learning programme directed at people throughout the age range, and intended to give learners direct experience of Somerset heritage and what it can teach us today.

I would be happy to discuss the full picture with you in more detail if that would be helpful.

Yours sincerely

Tom Mayberry
County Heritage Officer

01823 278805
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Peat Moors Centre by Andy B on Friday, 13 February 2009
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    ...in other words they support it as long as someone else pays for it, ie Natural England - typical! I would like to see their response to Morgaine & Frank Berman, such messages are of great importance, from near and far with a great impact like that.
    [ Reply to This ]
    Re: Peat Moors Centre by Anonymous on Saturday, 14 February 2009
    Sounds like more soft-soap peddling, by those just interested in getting rid of this amazing hands on site.
    If there is an agency or a fund anywhere that can purchase this site to keep it open for the enjoyment of the people. I would urge them to do so. I would like to see the Royal Family take over it's sponsorship-since they have scads of money !!!
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Peat Moors Centre by ulmus on Thursday, 12 February 2009
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i have it as a cause in my facebook and its coming from all angles! lets see if we can pull together and keep it going. try this i hope it works -


http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1503642097#/group.php?gid=77842350800&ref=mf


ulmus
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Peat Moors Visitor Centre to be axed by coldrum on Wednesday, 11 February 2009
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I have found an email address for Somerset Council :

somersetdirect@somerset.gov.uk

Address is:

Somerset County Council
County Hall
TAUNTON
Somerset
TA1 4DY

They also have an online comments form as well. Website is:

http://www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset/contactus/
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Peat Moors Visitor Centre to be axed by Anonymous on Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Dear Council members,

I read with great dismay your decision to close the Peat Moors Visitor Centre, one of a handful of reasons for which my husband and I regularly travel from Virginia, USA to Somerset, UK. Somerset must be doing one heck of a business to be able to discard one of its primary attractions with so little concern for the impact on tourists. In the current economic climate, I would have thought Somerset would need all the tourist incentives it could get!

To be perfectly honest, one can see English houses anywhere in the UK, but the Peat Moors, the Tor, the Chalice Well... these are features that exist nowhere else. If Somerset cannot support them, then it will need to find something other than tourism upon which to found its economy.

We cannot imagine why you would elect to discard something of such great value -- especially as it could prove important to green energy research, which can only become more important in the days ahead. Perhaps some developer has persuaded you that it is "just a bog" that could be put to some greater (and even more disposable) use?

Even a short trip to Somerset, staying in the most modest accommodations, usually costs us about $5-6,000 USD. That is the equivalent of 4 months living expenses in Virginia. Why one earth would we spend this to see only one or two features?

We sincerely hope that the Council will reconsider its position on this matter. Otherwise, we may find ourselves spending our money someplace that places greater value on its own history and character.

Respectfully,

Morgaine & Frank Berman
[ Reply to This ]

Peat Moors Visitor Centre to be axed by Andy B on Tuesday, 10 February 2009
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On the 4th of Feb 2009 the Executive Committee of Somerset County
Council resolved to close the Peat Moors Centre at the end of October 2009. The decision is due to be ratified by the full council on 18th February.

The Peat Moors Centre is a renowned 'hands-on' archaeology centre. An area like Glastonbury which is renowned for its prehistoric spiritual connections needs to keep its only attraction that showcases who their ancient inhabitants really were.

The campaign to save it has started on Facebook. Please show them your support.

http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=77842350800&aref=21951370
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Peat Moors Visitor Centre to be axed by AngieLake on Wednesday, 11 February 2009
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    Andy, I don't belong to Facebook, neither do I really want to sign up for it. Could we perhaps have a quick vote on Meg P about this, and send it to the appropriate place?

    As far as I'm concerned, it would be madness to close this wonderful asset. What a waste! It must be invaluable to school parties.

    I only actually visited once, about 5 years ago, when there was a re-enactment weekend with (I believe) the Silures [?] at the site. It was really interesting, and the participants were very helpful and informative.
    I remember a woman showing me all the various herbs she was using, and another showing how she plaited a belt with coloured fibres, while yet another was painting beautiful Celtic designs on someone with 'woad' like warpaint. Inside the round house there was a lecture on how they lived and the woman there later showed how grain was crushed in the quern, while there was meat cooking over the central fire. The life-style seemed very seductive at the time!
    (It WAS a very warm, sunny day!)
    Added to this, the Sweet Track, etc., etc.,....

    It would be such a shame if it were to be closed.
    [ Reply to This ]
      Re: Peat Moors Visitor Centre to be axed by Andy B on Wednesday, 11 February 2009
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      I agree it's a wonderful place to visit. I asked them (via Facebook) to start a general petition that anyone can sign without having to joining Facebook so hopefully they will see the sense in that. We can do a vote here as well, yes why not.
      [ Reply to This ]
      Re: Peat Moors Visitor Centre to be axed by mattchapman on Thursday, 12 February 2009
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      Another descicion by a local council out of touch with the people. But seriously a petition on this site is a good idea. Plus although its a few months away Megalithomania is on in Glastonbury . How about some sort display and apeal there?
      [ Reply to This ]
        Re: Peat Moors Visitor Centre to be axed by Andy B on Friday, 13 February 2009
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        Yes, I've told the Megalithomania guys, hopefully they will help. More Megalithomania stuff soon.
        [ Reply to This ]
        Re: Peat Moors Visitor Centre to be axed by Anonymous on Thursday, 26 February 2009
        Shocked and horrified at the news and worried that such huge decisions can be made without much media interest. Very disappointed to discover this disastrous news by accident via the internet. Lots of fuss must be made to show up the Somerset County Council and make them realise they've made such a short-sighted & harmful mistake. The Peat Moors Centre and its Warden Eddie Mills play a significant part in the promotion of Somerset to the wider world. They must re-consider a.s.a.p.
        [ Reply to This ]
        Re: Peat Moors Visitor Centre to be axed by Anonymous on Wednesday, 01 April 2009
        My nine year old is gutted! He can't believe it. The peat moors visitor centre is a favourite haunt of ours and brings an important piece of history to life, in Somerset. Why is it closing????
        [ Reply to This ]

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