WELCOME
"The Old House at Coate" - is a museum dedicated to the life and works of Richard Jefferies, who lived between 1848 and 1887. Jefferies was a prolific writer and naturalist who, as well as working for the Swindon Advertiser, published works on a variety of subjects, from detailed accounts of his beloved countryside, through children's books illustrated by E. H Shepard, to post-apocalyptic sci-fi!

This site tells you about our project to develop the museum, which is sited in the farmhouse where Jefferies was born, complete with outhouses, gardens and orchard. We are hoping to turn the house, near the stunning country park of Coate Water, into one of Swindon's must-see visitor attractions.