The Layton Collection

Thomas Layton collected books, coins, and archaeological items (usually described as ‘antiquities’) for 70 years. In that time he had accumulated what has been described as “probably the largest collection of London antiquities ever amassed by a single individual”.

The vast majority of items are believed to have been bought at auctions. Some came to him from his men working on the river. His businesses provided opportunities for finds from dredging, building of bridges and embankments along the banks of the Thames, for which Layton paid good money. Even by the standards of the day Layton kept poor records of where items were found. Despite this, the collection is considered highly important particularly to archaeologists and pre-historians.

Thomas Layton bequeathed his collection to the people of Brentford to create a museum. Difficulties with his will thwarted his plan and parts of the collection were dispersed. The Thomas Layton Trust is bringing his bequest back together on this website as our Virtual Museum.

5,200 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts including items from UK, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Peru and N. America.

A remarkable collection of 3,500 coins, tokens and medals - Roman, Greek, Indian, American and British.

4,000 maps and prints and 150 framed prints, maps and paintings.

8,000 from the 16th century to 19th century, remain in the collection, together with a small collection of manuscripts and some of Layton's personal papers.

Thomas Layton lived in Brentford, Middlesex between 1826 and 1911...read more

Download a walk through Victorian Brentford and discover some of Layton's legacy

Discover materials for teachers and students created by our partners.

Purchase a beautifully illustrated book by Mike Galer, called Layton's Legacy.