Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes visited the south coast in the late 1800's including 'Bourne' where they stayed at the Royal Bath Hotel. Sir Merton loved the hotel so much that he bought it and filled it with priceless panitings and exquisite furniture and curios.

The hotel soon hosted many royal visitors including Empress Eugenie, the Queen of Sweden, the King of Belgians and Edward VII. The hotel still attracts many celebrity guests to this day. When Sir Merton became Mayor in 1894, to celebrate, he purchased a magnificent house - now the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. As well as being their home, the house stored all their treasures from travels around the world.

The couple loved the town so much that they donated their collection of artefacts and their home to the town as an art gallery and museum. The following year, King Edward VII bestowed a knighthood on Merton.

Lady Russell-Cotes died in 1920 and her husband died the following year. Their beautiful home is still open to the public and entrance is free. Modern art exhibitions and Victorian fine art are on show as well as their collection of eclectic curios from around the world.