Gilbert White & The Oates Collection is a small independent museum that combines the house and life of Gilbert White, the 18th Century David Attenborough - Darwin expanded on his theories 2 generations later and The Oates’ legacy. Frank Oates explored the Americas and Africa and his nephew Captain Lawrence Oates who was on the fateful Scott Expedition to Antartica. A generous donation by the Oates family in the 50’s kept Gilbert White’s House alive as well as giving their own family heritage a place for the public to visit.
Part of the legacy of all 3 men is the learning about and exploring of the natural world either here in our back gardens or in the wider world. We continue this legacy for both children and adults.
Within the museum and grounds we have various spaces that we hire out to enable us to continue.
The Field Study Centre is where the majority of our practical teaching sessions take place. It is set in our species rich meadow, which is constantly changing, no 2 days are the same.
Apart from being a versatile teaching spacing during the week it is also our main private hire space at weekends. It is licensed for up to 100 for a wedding ceremony (including 2 Registrars, musicians, photographers etc) and up to 150 for the evening.
We hold and host all sorts of parties, talks, bat walks, plays, yoga classes, painting groups and many more.
The meadow is used for training days, fairs, dog shows, outdoor theatre as well as being a site of ecological importance. We can hold blessings under the oak tree or else where in the meadow depending on your preference.
Alongside the meadow are the formal 18th Century styled gardens that Gilbert wrote about in his journal. Many of the plants are still in existence almost 200 years later. Some fantastic photo backdrops.
Within the house we have three spaces that are available for hire: The Gilbert White Room holds up to 12 for meetings, small conferences or training sessions. A formal room, presentation equipment available. The Oates Room holds up to 20 - it is a more informal space suitable for meetings and training sessions. The Great Parlour is licensed for up to 40 people for civil ceremonies. It also hosts talks, wine evening as well as being a good reception space for a small gatherings.
Catering options are available.
There are some exhibition spaces that can be used to display art work.
The spaces within the Museum and grounds are very adaptable and we use them in the best way possible to ensure the best experience for the hirer.
