Museum of Farnham

The Museum of Farnham is a local history museum in Farnham, a market town in Surrey, south-east England. It occupies Willmer House, a Georgian townhouse on West Street whose decorative brickwork façade is widely admired as one of the finest of its kind. Admission is free, which makes it an easy stop on a walk through the old town centre.

What is the building's story?

Willmer House was completed in 1718 for John Thorne, a hop merchant and maltster, and its showy brick frontage was meant to display his wealth. It is listed Grade I. In 2018 the museum held events marking the house's 300th anniversary.

Over the centuries the property changed roles. It served as a boys' boarding school, then a girls' school, and later a dental surgery. It has been a museum since 1961, and Waverley Borough Council bought it from Surrey County Council in 2012. The house is effectively an exhibit in its own right, showing how a prosperous town residence looked after 1718.

What will I see inside?

The collection holds more than 65,000 objects and traces the town's story from prehistory to the modern day. Expect archaeological finds, everyday objects, costume, fine art and archives. Individual rooms focus on different periods of Farnham's past, so a visit reads like a chronological tour of the town.

The archives include material linked to William Cobbett, the writer and political commentator born in Farnham, and to John Henry Knight, a local inventor and chronicler of the town. Researchers can use the Muniment Room, which holds an extensive collection of printed material about Farnham and the surrounding area.

Is there a garden?

Yes. Behind the house is a walled garden with a bust of Cobbett. The Garden Gallery next to it hosts temporary exhibitions, and the garden is a pleasant place to pause after the galleries.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free? Yes, there is no admission charge.

Where is it? On West Street in central Farnham, Surrey, close to the town's main shopping streets.

When is it open? The museum opens most days of the week, but sources differ on exact days, so check the current hours on the museum's website before you go.

Is the building under restoration? Conservation work on the façade has taken place in recent years, so the appearance of the frontage and access to some rooms may vary. Check ahead.

Who is it for? Anyone interested in local history, Georgian architecture and the life of English market towns, and families looking for a free attraction.