A ‘rescue’ plan for the "Old House at Coate", birthplace of Victorian author and Naturalist, Richard Jefferies, in association with Swindon Borough Council (SBC) and the Richard Jefferies Society (RJS),.

Project Overview

An idyllic, fascinating oasis for visitors of all ages, The Richard Jefferies Museum (also known as the Old House at Coate after a quote from Jefferies himself) lies on the edge of Coate Water Country Park between Swindon and the M4. The site comprises a large Victorian farmhouse and cottage, with gardens and a number of out buildings.

Over recent mnonths Forward Swindon, alongside the Richard Jefferies Society and SBC, has been pushing a number of developments at the museum some of which are now coming to fruition: with a plan created by Forward Swindon, the museum has now achieved the accolade of Full Museum Accreditation by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council; a brand new limestone path has been laid to join the museum to Coate Water Country Park; permission has been granted to create merchandise based on illustrations from one of Jefferies' book by E. H. Shepard, best known for his drawings of Winne-the-Pooh; a Trust to look after the museum is being formed and is currently applying for charitable status; and a festival in honour of this great writer has been established again for the first time in 100 years!

As the Trust takes off, this exciting project will really engage with the people of Swindon, involving the public sector (particularly SBC and the education sector) as well as private businesses and other community groups. Furthermore, the project will ensure synergy with Coate Water Country Park, of which it is essentially part. The country park attracts some 515,000^[1] people each year: ramblers, dog walkers, families, participants in organised activities, and tourists. This is considerable foot-fall that the museum is very well positioned to exploit.

Priorities centre around the finalisation of the Trust and a self-sustaining business run as a social enterprise. This will have long-term social, economic and environmental benefits for the local community and help to develop Swindon’s cultural experience and reputation. Crucially, for Forward Swindon, the successful development of such a Trust will establish a repeatable, exemplar model of One Swindon principles for other cultural organisations in Swindon.

In terms of other literary connections in the town, Forward Swindon also supports, in a much smaller way, the work of the Alfred Williams Society and the Fforde Ffiesta (celebrating the works of author Jasper Fforde).

[1] Figures calculated by SBC Ranger team at Coate Water 2009 – extrapolated from car numbers (electronic counter at gate) multiplied by 2.2 and on basis that earlier research demonstrated that 80% of visitors come by car.