AFTER 25 years of trying, Marlborough is just a few months away from having its very own museum, celebrating the area’s history and heritage, dating back 1,000 years.

This spring, the Merchant’s House is opening a three-roomed museum next door above Clarks shoe shop, which could help drive up tourism in the town.

It is hoped one room will host the full collection of artist Colin Palmer’s 2008 architect’s illustrations of Marlborough over the last half century, another will house valuable and historic items of jewellery, coins, silverware and a collection of Aldbourne Bells.

The third will have Victorian-era items, war memorabilia, railway artefacts and other Marlborough artefacts over the centuries.

At present, the building is being rewired and fitted with energy-efficient infrared ceiling panels and the artefacts will be displayed in glass cabinets with LED lighting, as they look to transform the place into a 17th-century house, with a few modern touches.

This was all made possible last year when an anonymous donation helped to get the project off the ground.

“It is just marvellous that this is actually going to happen after all these years. It brings a smile to my face,” said Merchant’s House director, Clyde Nancarrow, who plans on opening the museum on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-4pm initially.

“All I hear these days is about museums closing down, so the fact that we are opening up one is very special. We want to tell the story of Marlborough as best we can.

“It will be modest but I think it can be very high quality. It will be of great interest to locals and I am sure some will be surprised. It could be very good for tourism.

“I would like to thank everyone who has made this possible as this is such an exciting project that is just around the corner.”

In 1991, the town council gave, at a low rent, 132 High Street to the Merchant’s House, as they wanted to turn it into a town museum.

After the refurbishment work began, however, they stumbled upon painted vertical striped walls, which English Heritage said was unique in Britain.

Since then the focus has changed to a conservation effort.

Coun Mervyn Hall, a Merchant’s House trust member, said: “Quite rightly, the town council see this as a very positive thing for the town. I am thrilled that after all this time, it just months away from being a reality.”

The Merchant’s House trust is keen for locals to donate other items of memorabilia too, including things relating to the town’s sports clubs and other historic items.

For more information about donating artefacts or volunteering call (01672) 511491.