THE early home of National Trust founder and social reformer Octavia Hill has re-opened after a massive £1.2 million investment. Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum Trust Ltd has acquired two buildings adjacent to the current museum at 1 South Brink Place. Th

THE early home of National Trust founder and social reformer Octavia Hill has re-opened after a massive £1.2 million investment.

Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum Trust Ltd has acquired two buildings adjacent to the current museum at 1 South Brink Place.

The three buildings, built c.1740 and all Grade II listed, were formerly a single house where Octavia Hill was born in 1838. The project aims to improve the visitor experience and bring to life the history of the woman known as the 'Florence Nightingale of Victorian housing', in the only museum that tells her story.

The museum collection includes a huge archive of documents, literature and photographs associated with Octavia Hill.

A programme of activities will also be introduced, including historical talks and a Garden Club to encourage local people to use the garden as an 'open air sitting room'. Visitor numbers are expected to rocket from 2,000 per year to at least 8,000.

The museum is open Saturday to Wednesday afternoons between 1pm to 4.30pm.

Entry costs £3.50 for adults, £2.50 for concessions and £1.50 for children.