(John) Richard Jefferies (6 November 1848 - 14 August 1887) is best known for his writings about nature and the countryside. His birthplace and home at Coate, now on the out-skirts of Swindon, provide the background to all his major works of fiction and for many of his essays.
The Richard Jefferies Society
was established in 1950 and has members in all parts of the world.It is a registered charity (no. 1042838) managed by an Executive Council of volunteers.
oTo hold meetings of its members and others, at which lectures may be given bearing on the life, work and times of Richard Jefferies.
oTo maintain a collection of and help make available to members copies of the works of Richard Jefferies and associated literature.
oTo monitor and protect as far as possible the buildings and countryside associated with Richard Jefferies.
oTo provide members with news and information about Richard Jefferies by means of a newsletter and/or journal.
Newsletters with information about the writer, current events, publications and services are circulated to members twice a year along with an annual report.In addition they receive a copy of the Society's Journal containing hitherto unpublished writing by Jefferies, new articles, research and book reviews. There are meetings for rallies, readings and discussions, as well as visits to places associated with the writer.The Society has a special concern for such places as the writer's birthplace at Coate (maintained as a museum - see below - with the help of volunteers, as a memorial to the writer), Coate Water, Liddington Hill, and the memorial stone on Burderop Down, all in Wiltshire. Other places of pilgrimage are at Surbiton, Sydenham and Eltham near London, and at Brighton, Crowborough and at his final home at Goring by Sea, Sussex where he died on 16 August 1887 at the age of 38. His grave is in Broadwater cemetery at Worthing.
Richard Jefferies' birthplace next to Coate Water, Marlborough Road (next to the Sun Inn).
The Museum is open on the following Sundays from 2-5pm: May 2, 16 & 23; June 6, 20 & 27; July 4, 18 & 25; Aug 1, 15 & 22;Sept 5, 12, 19 & 26.
It is also open on the second Wednesday of the month throughout the year from 10am-4pm: Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug 11, Sep 8, Oct 13, Nov 10 & Dec 8.
Group bookings can be accommodated on other dates by appointment.
The building is not wheel-chair accessible and parking space is limited. However, there is plenty of free parking space at Coate Water Country Park -- just a short walk away. There is no admission charge to the Museum.
