We are charity – of 85 years standing – and receive no statutory funding. Our income is generated through admission costs at our museums plus a subscribing membership of approximately 1,400 people and organisations. In light of the decision to temporarily close our museums, if you can support us and make a much-needed donation we would be extremely grateful.
Here are some great ways to play and learn at home or in the classroom inspired by Beckford and his collections
Built between 1826 and 1827, Beckford’s Tower is an extraordinary building that was once home to one of the greatest collections of books, furniture and art in Georgian England and now stands as the only surviving example of William Beckford’s great architectural achievements.
William Beckford’s ability to build, and to collect, was made possible by the wealth he inherited and continued to accumulate as an owner of Jamaican sugar plantations and enslaved people, and through the compensation he received from the government following the abolition of slavery. This aspect of his life is explored within our museum displays and you can read more about it here.
Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, plans to conserve and re-interpret the Tower and its landscape setting are being developed. Bath Preservation Trust owns and operates Beckford’s Tower and must also raise a considerable amount to fund this project – called ‘Our Tower’. You can read more about it here.
COVID-19
During the current uncertainty created by coronavirus (COVID-19) and in the interest of the health and wellbeing of our visitors, volunteers, staff and our wider community the Trust’s four museums are CLOSED until further notice. Read more here
Click here to find out more about volunteering, donating or becoming a member of Bath Preservation Trust
Part 10 of the BBC programme ‘Civilisations’ returns to our screens (on BBC4) this Monday exploring ‘The Remains of Slavery’, including a feature filmed at Beckford’s Tower. The programme is presented by Bristol’s Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers – whose ancestors were taken as slaves from west Africa to the Caribbean. Like the landmark series which…
Built between 1826 and 1827, Beckford’s Tower is an extraordinary building that was once home to one of the greatest collections of books, furniture and art in Georgian England and now stands as the only surviving example of William Beckford’s great architectural achievements. William Beckford’s ability to build, and to collect, was made possible by the…
