Weston-super-Mare - The Library

The Old Library, Boulevard, Weston-super-Mare

Research entails many hours sitting in front of a computer or microfilm reader searching old newspapers for facts or interesting stories.  The North Somerset Studies Library can be found in the Frederick Wood Room at Weston Library and has a wealth of information for those interested in “things past”.  It is also worth remembering that the Library provides toilet facilities so there is no need to spend 20p on the seafront. 

The former library on The Boulevard sits forlorn and forgotten – boarded up with a sign announcing “FOR SALE”.  If I had moved to Weston a few months earlier in 2012 then I would have been able to walk through that grand entrance and seen the interior. As it is all I can do is offer a description from the past.

“The ground floor accommodation comprises a ladies’ room, librarian’s room, reading room, entrance hall – also lavatory accommodation for both sexes.  The museum and picture gallery will occupy the upper floor which will be approached by a wide staircase.”

The foundation stone was laid on 1^st. August 1899 declaring that the building was a memorial to the 60^th. Anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria.  Dates above the entrance testify to the fact showing “1837 – 1897”.   The building was opened the following year on 3^rd. September 1900.

Tragic stories always seem to leap out as I peruse the papers and today proved no exception.  In December 1901, just 15 months after the opening, a retired barrister visited the library with his wife.  Whilst the lady settled herself down with a good book in the Reading Rooms the gentleman visited the toilet.  He was gone for a good while and the lady became concerned.  It was Dr. Wallace who went in search of the missing husband.  When he entered the toilets he found the gentleman slumped on the floor - he had shot himself. 

There is a toilet block adjoining the old building on its East side but it looks as if this might have been added at a later date – perhaps in 1930 when a large extension was built?   In 2014 this block is thrown into the sale for good measure.

It is wonderful to have the new library in Walliscote Grove Road together with all its modern facilities.  I can only hope that a sympathetic buyer is found for the old Grade II listed edifice. 

Weston-super-Mare Museum - the past in the present

Shortly after starting this blog I was asked whether I had tried the loos in the Museum as they were reported as being rather nice.  To my shame I have to admit that although I have lived in Weston for 2 years it was a place not yet visited.  A situation which had to be rectified.

This afternoon seemed as good a time as any – and what a very pleasant time was had.  There is an entrance charge for the museum itself but free entry is provided to the Palm Court Café and current exhibition gallery.  How lovely it was to be transported back to the seaside of my childhood – old turnstiles to bathing facilities and best of all “Jolly Jack Tar” who would make me laugh till the tears ran down my cheeks.

Clara’s Cottage was fitted out as a home of the 1900s and I was delighted to spot the chamber pot peeking out from under the bed quilt.  

There was far too much of interest to take in on just one visit so I do promise to return in the very near future.   

I can highly recommend the Palm Court Café – an oasis of calm in the heart of this bustling seaside town.   

And the toilet facilities are probably the best I have found in recent weeks.  Very clean and modern but with a feel of Victorian times.

 How lucky are we to have this museum.