The South West Heritage Trust
Museum and curatorial services in Somerset, caring for over 3 million museum objects and operating 3 county museums.Statutory Archives and Local Studies services in Somerset and Devon, providing access to public records.Historic Environment conservation advice to local authorities and partners in Somerset. 400 acres of landscape sites managed.Heritage Education provision across all services.
Activities & Mission
Museum and curatorial services in Somerset, caring for over 3 million museum objects and operating 3 county museums.Statutory Archives and Local Studies services in Somerset and Devon, providing access to public records.Historic Environment conservation advice to local authorities and partners in Somerset. 400 acres of landscape sites managed.Heritage Education provision across all services.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
The Commission record shows this related event on the register:
- Asset transfer in in 2022 — The Somerset County History Trust (organisation 5055413)
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £5,232,524 | £4,652,360 | £4,542,855 | £1,827,416 | £585,550 | 72 / 100 |
| 2024 | £8,652,683 | £8,474,068 | £8,401,456 | £1,322,089 | £507,104 | 73 / 151 |
| 2023 | £4,135,856 | £4,090,905 | £4,022,927 | £1,289,243 | £517,956 | 73 / 239 |
| 2022 | £3,648,374 | £4,097,959 | £4,038,940 | £3,155,382 | £572,170 | 69 / 125 |
| 2021 | £3,808,565 | £3,955,290 | £3,933,370 | -£5,715,351 | £538,859 | 67 / 180 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The South West Heritage Trust
What does The South West Heritage Trust do?
Museum and curatorial services in Somerset, caring for over 3 million museum objects and operating 3 county museums.Statutory Archives and Local Studies services in Somerset and Devon, providing access to public records.Historic Environment conservation advice to local authorities and partners in Somerset. 400 acres of landscape sites managed.Heritage Education provision across all services.
How much income did The South West Heritage Trust report in 2025?
The South West Heritage Trust reported total income of £5.23m and reported expenditure of £4.65m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
When was The South West Heritage Trust registered as a charity?
The South West Heritage Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 6 October 2014 as charity number 1158791. It has been registered for 12 years.
Who runs The South West Heritage Trust?
The South West Heritage Trust is governed by a board of 12 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The South West Heritage Trust operate?
The South West Heritage Trust operates across 2 areas: Devon and Somerset.
Is The South West Heritage Trust a registered charity?
Yes — The South West Heritage Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1158791.
Details
Brunel Way
Norton Fitzwarren
Taunton
TA2 6SF
Registry Information
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Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 2 other charities
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 30 July 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated