A discovery that changed the world

From his home in Berkeley, Dr Jenner’s House tells the story of the pioneering Gloucestershire scientist Edward Jenner (1749-1823) and his ongoing legacy of vaccination.

What’s here?

Dr Jenner's House, a white building with two chimneys and a rose growing up the outside

House

Follow in the footsteps of Edward Jenner and find out how discoveries made in this very house still shape our lives today.

Daffodils and red tulips

Garden

From winter snowdrops to autumn cyclamen, there’s colour throughout the year in Dr Jenner’s peaceful garden.

A thatched stone hut in a wooded area

Temple of Vaccinia

Visit the rustic summerhouse used by Edward Jenner as the world’s first vaccination clinic.

Herbs within raised wooden beds

Physic Garden

A delight for all the senses, our Physic Garden contains a range of herbs that Edward Jenner could have used.

Can you help us secure the future of Dr Jenner’s House?

Whether you wish to donate a pound towards our building conservation programme for urgent repairs to The Chantry, or would be interested in becoming a strategic partner, we warmly welcome your support.

We are a small independent, accredited Museum and charity, which receives no government funding; our entire income is generated from entrance fees, shop sales, donations and events. Sadly our income does not match needs of maintaining this important Grade II* building for future generations.

However, a new leadership team was put in place this season, who are trying to protect this historic site and begin a new chapter of engagement with the local community and wider public; including new exhibitions, educational projects. We plan to expand the Museum’s education outreach with opportunities for a wide range of ages as well as a groundbreaking multi-disciplinary post-graduate residencies, enabling conversations across the broad range of Dr Jenner’s Enlightenment interests: including medicine, science, nature, botany, poetry, music: known as STEAM. This is where STEM subjects are integrated with the creative arts, to spark new connections and ideas, encouraging young people to #thinklikeJenner

There are a number of ways you can help us in the vital work:

  • We are currently fundraising to conserve the fabric of The Chantry. The House dates mainly to 1707, with additions made by Dr Jenner in the late 18th century. The house is desperate need of conservation, especially the roof, rainwater goods, windows and render. The latter are a major concern as concrete render was applied in the early 1980’s which is causing damage to the original structure of the building.

    Central to our plan, is providing training opportunities - we plan to use the building conservation programme to The Chantry to enable the training and apprenticeships of emerging craftspeople, by organising an allowing mentoring with Master craftspeople, working in conjunction with the Princes Foundation Highgrove Workshops and their Building School graduates.

    If you would like more information on our building conservation plan please contact us.

  • Our Education Programme provides workshops and talks for young people and adults across a wide range of STEAM fields. To continue this work next season we need to raise £30,000

    We are currently fundraising to expand our Education programme to create opportunities for post graduate multi-disciplinary residences - to encourage another generation to “Think like Jenner”.

  • Dr Jenner’s House has an eccentric and eclectic collection of objects to adopt - from a lock of Dr Jenner’s hair to Blossom the cow’s horn, or a hand written poem to a first edition of Dr Jenner’s Inquiry… what will you select?

    Adopters receive:

    A Certificate of Adoption

    Name acknowledged online on our Adopters page.

    Your name on the object’s interpretation label

    Free entry to the Museum during opening hours

    Adoptions over £250 receive:

    All of the above benefits plus

    Invitations to our VIP events

    Get close up to the object of their choice with a handling session with the Museum Director.

  • Dr Jenner’s House offers a beautiful and unique setting for hospitality and events, including exclusive private views of exhibitions, receptions and dinners.

    Marketing and brand awareness, with flexible opportunities for promotion in print, online and in person around our major exhibitions or community outreach projects.

    There are major sponsorship opportunities and flexible sponsorship in different parts of our programme and projects.

    An association with one of medicine’s most important cultural sites, we are committed to delivering the high quality events, exhibitions and learning activities.

    Opportunities for staff training team building.

    A tailored approach to partnership matching your business objectives.

    As a registered charity, we are grateful for the support of businesses to help us maintain of our work and programmes for the enjoyment of all.

  • Become a Director's Circle Patron

    Joining the Director's Circle is a rewarding and engaging way to support Dr Jenner’s House. Attend exclusive opening night parties, enjoy bespoke events and behind-the-scenes tours, access private collections and have your generosity recognised in the Museum.

    Patrons of the Director's Circle enjoy many benefits:

    Receive invitations to VIP events, our annual party, talks and VIP exhibition previews.

    Go behind the scenes with access to our archives and objects not on public display.

    Gain free, unlimited entry to the Museum and garden

    Enjoy discounts and priority booking for our private event hire spaces.

    Have your name acknowledged on our Patron display.

    Director's Circle membership starts with an annual suggested contribution of £1,000 at Silver level, comprising £500 to cover membership benefits plus an additional voluntary donation of £500 which is eligible for Gift Aid. Payment may be made annually or via monthly Direct Debit.

    Please contact us to find out more about our Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers. Complete the form below and we will be in touch very soon. Alternatively, get in touch directly:

    Tel: 01453 810631

    Email: info@edwardjenner.co.uk

  • Volunteering at Dr Jenner's House is a really rewarding and enjoyable way to support our charitable work sharing the story of Edward Jenner's ongoing life and legacy. We have over thirty five volunteers working with us to care for The Chantry and welcome visitors and groups.

    Current opportunities include:

    Garden Volunteer

    Applying their green fingers to our historic garden, our Garden Volunteers care for a 200 year old grape vine, medicinal herbs, vegetables, flower borders and so much more! No experience is necessary as full training will be given. To join our friendly garden team please fill in the form to the right of the page.

    Learning Volunteer

    Our busy Education team work with schools and colleges creating tours and workshops. We would love to expand our team. If you have experience working with children and would like to help, please fill in the form to the right of the page.

    Maintenance Volunteer

    We are looking for volunteers to help us maintain the house and with some urgent repair work. We would love to hear from you if you have building maintenance experience in any area from painting to pointing! Please fill in the form to the right of the page.

    Shop Volunteer

    Shop volunteers are one of the first points of contact with the public at Dr Jenner’s House. Our friendly and helpful team sell entry tickets and products from our lovely shop. We are looking for calm, careful volunteers who can conduct a methodical order of sale and are comfortable using, or willing to learn how to use, a basic till (full training will be given). Please fill in the form to the right of the page.

    Welcome Volunteer

    Do you love presenting to people? Are you good at learning basic scripts and have a friendly, helpful and outgoing personality? We are looking for people that can engage and inform visitors about Dr Jenner’s home, work and interests at this beautiful and historic 18th Century museum and garden. To join our wonderful welcome team please fill in the form to the right of the page.

    Please do get in touch

    To join our volunteering team, please click ‘apply now’ and fill in the form. We will be in touch within ten working days to discuss your application further. If you would like to apply in a different format (for example video), need any help completing this form, or if you have any questions about volunteering please email info@edwardjenner.co.uk or call 01453 810631.ription

  • Can you help us to continue our work for the benefit of future generations, inspiring budding scientists, medics, musicians, poets and botanists?

    Did you know that a gift of 1% in your Will can make a big difference to Dr Jenner’s House while those closest to you inherit 99%?

    Since the Jenner Trust opened the Museum and garden in 1983, generations of young people have been inspired by having the opportunity to see the home of vaccination. Visitors of all ages have enjoyed, learnt from and celebrated the work of Jenner and those who came before and after him in the name of immunology, as well as Jenner’s wider interests.

    Now we are keen to expand this work in many ways including developing our exhibitions programme and conserving the fabric of this historic house and garden, telling the story of not just of a country Doctor who changed history, but how his discoveries are so relevant today and how they play a vital part in modern immunology.

    Could you help us to continue this work by leaving a gift in your Will?

    A bequest in your Will could be directed in a number of ways:

    Leaving a contribution to our Endowment Fund: this is a great way to leave a long-lasting legacy to Dr Jenner’s House, as the Endowment will provide security through building a capital fund.

    Leaving a gift towards a specific project: A project could be for the conservation of the fabric of the building, the creation of a new exhibition, or provide funding for our Education Outreach Programme.

    Leaving an unrestricted gift: this would enable us to direct your gift to the area of greatest need, either to help with running costs, including repairs, building or gallery renovation, or a specific project.

    However small, or large, every penny of every gift will go towards continuing the valuable work of The Jenner Trust for the benefit of all age groups.

    Writing or amending a Will does not need to be complicated or expensive; however, we do recommend that you contact your solicitor for advice.

  • Enjoy unlimited free entry and special Friends of Dr Jenner’s House previews of new exhibitions, as well as an invitation to our annual summer party.

    Individual Friend membership £ 20

    Couple (joint pass) £ 30

    Family (2 adults & 2 children) £ 40

Click here to Donate

Planning your visit

Dr Jenner’s House is now closed for the winter - however we welcome groups and schools for private tours out of season - please click here to contact us.