Super User Omeka MetsExport Plugin The software used to generate this document is called Omeka MetsExport, which operates as a plugin for Omeka. Documentation can be found at http://github/MetsExport/ Sundial Cottage - Penpont Heritage Centre <p>Joseph Thomson, a famous explorer of Africa, was born in this cottage in 1858. When his father bought the house in 1856, he used his master building skills to add a cantilever staircase to access two bedrooms which he developed in the roof space to accommodate his five sons. On ground floor there is a box bedroom where Thomson was born and a room reserved for the Heritage of Penpont, Keir and Tynron .</p><p>Outwith the cottage there is a wash-house, an outside boiler and sandstone steps leading to an annexe which was built as an armoury for the Penpont Rifle Volunteers (1860-1885). In the back garden there is still a pigsty and a privy.</p><p>The cottage was home to Mrs. Jean Carson for 70 years and has changed little since the Thomson's occupied it from 1856-1868.</p><p>Because Jean was proud to be in Thomson`s birthplace, she willingly welcomed parties of schoolchildren in the 80s and 90s . She explained its unique features and showed how she swept her own chimney using a whale bone brush she had bought for 30 shillings. Even at 95 she was willing to be photographed and filmed and, as a result, the idea was born of, one day, converting this cottage into a Heritage Centre.</p><p>As such, it was officially opened in 2013 by the Duke of Buccleuch who has leased the property to the community at a nominal rent.</p><p>Sophia Harkness MBE FRSGS</p> 1856 renovation Museum 1147 current,55.86362,-4.261207; Sundial Cottage Penpont 17853 Yes Marrburn Road 7/9/2019 8/9/2019 10 am till 5 pm 12 am till 5 pm <p>Displays on the life of explorer Joseph Thomson. Further displays of local history with writings and artifacts. Large Victorian Boiler outside Wash-house, pig sty and the Rifle Volunteer annexe.</p><p>Outside toilet.</p><p>Disable WC nearby.</p><p>Parking on Marrburn Road and Church Street.</p><p>Village Tea room open Saturday and Sunday plus Church Hall Teas Sat 1 till 4pm</p><p>Photographs by Sophia Harkness</p> Yes No Yes No No No No No No Yes DG3 4BL