The Ellem Fishing Club Museum is housed in the historic Paxton House, one of the finest examples of 18th-century Palladian architecture in Britain, nestled on the banks of the River Tweed. This is a must for history enthusiasts and fishing addicts alike!
At an Annual General Meeting of the Ellem Fishing Club over 20 years ago, a unanimous resolution was passed by the members present to host an exhibition of the Club’s memorabilia, artefacts etc. This exhibition would probably be a permanent feature, and with an anticipated strong, educational, cultural and historical background that would be of interest to all sections of the community and anglers in particular.
A suitable venue at Paxton House was offered by an enthusiastic Paxton House Trust – it was only fit and proper that the exhibition should be housed somewhere within the County of Berwickshire.
Our original Exhibition at Paxton House was opened in 2007 by Major Alexander Trotter, Lord Lieutenant of Berwickshire and direct descendant of one of the Club’s founder members. The new museum, in memory of the late Dr. Jimmy Mitchell a former member and President of the Club, was opened by Andrew Douglas-Home OBE in 2015.
This fascinating social history of the oldest existing trout fishing club in the world will provide both anglers and non-anglers alike with a truly memorable flavour of life in Berwickshire since 1829.
The museum is an exciting and stimulating set of displays with large glass cabinets showing Club memorabilia since its foundation. Large information boards will help you find out about the Club, the Whiteadder river system and fly fishing in general.
Look at everything from the life cycle of the trout and those creatures on which it feeds; the measures put in place by the Tweed Foundation to conserve and preserve the Tweed river system; the history of mills on the river and much more. You can even look at fish travelling upstream using underwater footage.
There is also interactive computer system where children and adults alike can among other things explore the River Whiteadder, its history, the ecosystems and a variety of conservation measures.
Come along to explore, learn and enjoy!
