Blake Museum

Infobox Museum
name = Blake Museum


established =
location = Bridgwater, Somerset
map_type=Somerset
latitude = 51.1285
longitude = -2.9938
visitors =
director =
website = The Blake Museum is in Bridgwater, Somerset and is administered by Sedgemoor District Council.

The building is believed to be the birthplace of Robert Blake, General at Sea (1599–1657). It was built in the late 15th or early 16th century, and has been designated by English Heritage as a grade II* listed building. [cite web | title=The Admiral Blake Museum | work=Images of England | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?id=373830 | accessdate=2007-10-30]

Although it is commonly used, Robert Blake's name was never prefixed by "Admiral", although his rank of General at Sea held similar status.

Particular features of the museum are artifacts from Blake's life including his sea chest. [cite web |url=http://www.cornucopia.org.uk/html/search/verb/ListIdentifiers/set/location/1889 |title= Blake Museum|accessdate=2007-10-27 |format= |work=Cornucopia ]

This museum illustrates Bridgwater mercantile and marine past and includes important local historical events such as the Battle of Sedgmoor. There is also a small collection of agricultural machinery and tools, and dairy equipment, a group of coins found in the bank of King's Sedgemoor Drain. The collection also includes items of women's garments dating from the 19th century and Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, The Squibbs photographic collection, maritime heritage items, brick, tile and textile items, and a Monmouth rebellion archive. [cite web|url=http://www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3538|title=Blake Museum- The collections:|publisher=Sedgemoor District Council|accessdate=2008-10-10]

The museum also has an association with Channel 4's Time Team. [cite web |url=http://www.bridgwater.net/Town/About_Town/Places_to_Visit/Museums/admiral_blake_museum.htm |title=Blake Museum |accessdate=2007-10-27 |format= |work=Bridgwater.net ]

References