Chippenham Museum’s latest exhibition ‘Kilvert’s World’ explores the work of Rev. Francis Kilvert, whose diary written in Victorian Chippenham and Langley Burrell is now sold across the globe.

The exhibition, open from 5 July to 9 October with free entry, features two of the three surviving diaries on loan from The National Library of Wales. Born in Chippenham in 1840, Kilvert became curate for his father in Langley Burrell.

His diaries reflected rural life in the 1870s, and were published over fifty years after his death.

“2020 marked 150 years since Kilvert first began his diaries. The exhibition at Chippenham Museum is beautifully presented, encouraging visitors to step back in time to Victorian Chippenham," said Councillor James Bradbury, Chair of Chippenham Town Council Amenities, Culture and Leisure Committee.

A programme of both free and bookable events runs alongside the exhibition. Free exhibition talks explore various themes from the exhibition, starting with ‘An Introduction to Kilvert’ with the Kilvert Society on Wednesday 21 July.

Melissa Barnett, Head of Museum and Heritage Services, added: “We are so pleased to see the return of our in-person events at Chippenham Museum. Our programme has something for all ages, including events for our local families to return back and enjoy.”

For more information about summer events at Chippenham Museum visit the museum’s What’s On page at www.chippenham.gov.uk/chippenham-museum

Chippenham Museum, a Chippenham Town Council facility, is free to visit and open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm.