Archive for category History

The Chantry, former 18th century home of vaccination pioneer, Dr Edward Jenner, is to re-open its doors for another new season from Tuesday 19 April 2011. Over the winter the museum has been busy: becoming Finalist in South West Tourism’s Best Small Visitor Attraction 2010/2011; and reaching the finals of the national Clore Learning Awards amongst numerous other awards and nominations. Visitors this year will benefit from new audio- interpretation to help them around the historic house and grounds, as well seeing the newly restored ‘Temple of Vaccinia’ from where Dr Jenner administered free vaccinations in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This time, thankfully, pleasure rather than pain awaits intrepid visitors who are able to immerse themselves in a new film installation.

The Chantry was home to Dr Jenner from 1785 until his death in 1823. It was from here that he pioneered many scientific and medical breakthroughs, most notably vaccination in 1796. Visitors can explore at their leisure this elegant Queen Anne house and gardens, the ‘spooky’ attic rooms, and enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake in the adjacent Old Cyder House Garden Cafe, which spills out into a sunny walled garden. As they walk around, they are soaking up the historic atmosphere, safe in the knowledge that history happened ‘here’.

Visitors will be welcomed to the site via the new ticketing, shop and tea-room area in the Old Cyder House. They will be personally welcomed into the Chantry before watching a new introductory video presented by Professor Mark Horton, presenter of BBC’s Coast.

Following a grant from the Country Houses Foundation, Dr Jenner’s Grade II thatched summerhouse, the ‘Temple of Vaccinia’ has been completely re-thatched and restored to its former glory. Electricity finally reached this historic landmark in 2011 allowing the museum to install an exciting new video installation, with new interpretation, funded by the Wellcome Trust. New audio-guides will take the visitor on a journey around the house and into the gardens for the first time, narrated by Professor Horton.

An official public launch of the newly restored Temple and family-friendly event will take place on Saturday 21 May 2011, to be opened by Joe Cerrell, European Director of the Gates Foundation. Former Poet Laureate, Sir Andrew Motion, has written a new poem to mark the occasion, which will be officially premiered on the day. Professor Horton will also say a few welcoming words. The afternoon celebrations will all be family-friendly.

The Edward Jenner Museum has recently launched a fundraising appeal to restore Jenner’s Grade II* Listed Chantry home as well as to re-plant his garden. It is hoped that by incorporating new research by Dr Clare Hickman and working with garden-designer Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall, the former 18th century garden can be re-instated to its former glory. Historic Berkeley is day out for all of the family. Dr Jenner is buried inside the adjacent 13th century St Mary’s church. Berkeley Castle is just a two minute walk from the museum; both the museum and castle offer a ‘Joint Ticket’ making a superb day out. www.jennermuseum.com