Westbury Museum

29/05/2026

If you fancy a virtual pub crawl through Westbury's pubs and inns (many lost to us now), then look no further than Sally Hendry's latest book. "Last Orders" traces the history of Westbury's inns, beer houses and hotels and gives you the stories behind them - robberies inquests and memorable characters and moments that bring the past vividly to life.
Available to buy at the Sunday Brunch at Soisy Gardens this Sunday or from the museum website.

29/05/2026

Step into the stories of old Westbury with Westbury Museum at the Sunday Brunch on 31 May.
Come and visit our gazebo to discover fascinating local history, browse books, gifts and heritage items, and chat with our friendly volunteers about the people, places and events that shaped the town. Whether you’re a lifelong local or new to the area, there’s always something intriguing to uncover from Westbury’s past.
We’ll also have information about upcoming talks, exhibitions and ways to support the museum — so do stop by and say hello!

30/01/2026

Westbury Museum now has a regular column in the White Horse News sharing some fascinating stories from Westbury's past.

This week's edition is all about a very current topic - the Angel public house in Edward Street and we thought this may be a great time for us all to look again at this extraordinary, listed building – probably the oldest pub in Westbury with parts dating back to the 16th century.
Hope you enjoy it.

04/11/2025

If you fancy learning about how to treat your servants, what you really need in your trousseau or simply want to rustle up some raw beef sandwiches for a recovering invalid, Westbury Museum could well have the answers you need!

One of our latest acquisitions is a 1911 version of The Woman’s Book, which used to belong to the donor’s great grandmother and it is crammed with fascinating information. Find out more in our latest blog at

Household tips for the women on 1911

25/07/2025

🕰️ A Clock Mystery — Or Was It?
We’ve been puzzling over a photo sent to us by a gentleman in America. It shows his father in uniform, standing outside what is now the Thai Orchid restaurant on Warminster Road. The photo was taken in November 1944, and above him is a bracket that might’ve once held a clock… or maybe something else entirely.
🔍 On closer inspection, one side of the bracket appears to be an advert for Delta Shoes. Our research revealed that the shop was once a boot and shoe business owned by A.A. Angell until his retirement in 1935. It closed and seems to have remained boarded up during the war years, as shown in the photo.
👟 Since then, the building has had many lives: a fishmonger and greengrocer in the '50s and '60s, then Derrylee Boutique, possibly an antique shop—and today, the Thai Orchid.
📸 The museum’s photo collection offers glimpses of the shop from Haynes Road, and we even spotted an undated image showing the remains of the bracket in the book Westbury and Westbury Leigh (published 2000). Part of the bracket is still there today!
🤔 So… was it ever a clock? Can you help solve the mystery?
Do you remember a clock outside the shop—or, better still, have a photo of it and know when it was removed? We’d love to hear from you!
📬 Drop us a message, share your memories, or pop in for a chat!

16/06/2025

In keeping with our Wartime in Westbury exhibition which is running now at the museum, read our latest blog about Trooper - Westbury's other horse!
https://westburyheritagesociety.org.uk/museum-blog/

06/06/2025

Wartime Westbury...casualties of war

Names of 30 Westbury men who died in the war were added to the memorial in the Market Place when it was rededicated in 1947. Among those who lost their lives was talented local footballer, Billy Pearce.
Billy was the legendary captain of Westbury United FC in the 1930s. A true leader on and off the pitch, Billy guided his team through one of their most successful eras, even captaining the Wiltshire County team throughout the decade.
But Billy’s story is more than football—it’s one of courage and sacrifice. When WWII broke out, he answered the call to serve his country. ultimately sacrificing his life in a time of immense challenge.
This rare photograph captures Billy in his iconic striped football uniform, a reminder of his passion for the sport and his dedication to his team.
Discover more stories about Westbury during those war years at our WWII Wartime Westbury exhibition at Westbury Museum – with FREE admission.