Amesbury History Centre to reopen after four years

Monday, 21 August 2023 01:00

After exactly four years of waiting, Amesbury History Centre will finally reopen after being completely rebuilt in a brand-new building.

Starting tomorrow, Tuesday 22nd August, the History Centre will be open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 am – 4 pm.

The first phase of the reopening will be an exhibition called Her Amesbury Story, highlighting the lives of 25 women throughout history with links to Amesbury, including Queen Eleanor of Provence, who lived in Amesbury Abbey and is believed to have been buried here in 1291AD.

The new building includes a Tea Room providing light refreshments and features a Gift Shop showcasing books, artwork and small gifts from local authors, artists, and artisans.

Phase two, on which work has already started, will tell the whole story of Amesbury’s past and will be open to the public early next year.

Since Amesbury Town Council acquired Melor Hall in 2011, the goal was to have a History Centre that would showcase the importance of Amesbury, which has since been discovered to be the oldest continuous settlement in the United Kingdom.

The new building was built using S106 Funds, and a lease was signed back in May to the charity, Amesbury History Centre CIO.

A spokesperson for the charity said, "We aim to showcase all the new discoveries to a wider audience and attract tourists from Stonehenge to Amesbury town centre.

"We have been overwhelmed with the amount of public support so far and are looking forward to finally being open."

More from Local News

Tributes paid to Stuart Withers after fatal accident in Salisbury

Tributes are being paid to Stuart Withers, who was knocked down and killed in an accident in Salisbury yesterday (22nd November) morning.
Salisbury's match against Maidstone United is ON

Salisbury's match against Maidstone United this afternoon is ON!
Shops tested on 'Challenge 25 policy' when selling knives

Almost 60% of shops visited by during a week of action focusing on knife crime passed the 'Challenge 25 policy' and didn't sell knives or bladed articles to under-age shoppers.
SEND families invited to online meeting to hear updates on SEND support

Wiltshire Council is inviting families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to participate in an online session as part of the consultation on the funding for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Longleat closed today due to bad weather

Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire will be closed today (Saturday 23 November) due to the forecast of strong winds.
Salisbury MP visits local primary school

Salisbury's MP has visited Winterbourne Earls Primary School and answered children's questions on a range of subjects.
Man in his 70s dies after Exeter Street collision

A man in his 70s has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Salisbury City Centre this morning (22nd November).
Weather Warning: Salisbury set for Heavy Rain this weekend

The Met Office has put a yellow weather warning in place across the area thanks to Storm Bert.