Culmstock Beacon

41515090_236658867023922_6333424311587569664_n
Culmstock Beacon and views

Culmstock Beacon is a stone hut which sits at the top of Blackdown Common and watches over a number of nearby villages including Culmstock, Hemyock and Uffculme. The views from the Beacon hut are so extensive that on a fair day it is possible to see almost as far as Exeter. 

41496125_544285962664791_5526833065466265600_n
The hut

 

41521045_340255300049513_6124446475867914240_n
Culmstock Beacon from Nicholashayne approach

The hut was initially built in the early to mid-1500s – likely during the reign of Elizabeth I. It was used as part of a network of similar warning signals built at the top of hills across the South West of England. Although the hut at Culmstock is not completely original due to restoration, it has played an important part in British history. 

41479996_533665260406896_2904544695608672256_n
Path leading to Blackdown Common from Nicholashayne

The hut would have originally supported a basket above the hole within the top of the stone roof which was filled with straw and set alight to warn of impending invasion. In the day, one person from the local community would have taken charge of supervising the Beacon and at night there would have been two or three people on constant watch. As invading ships were spotted, fire beacons were lit to warn of the approaching enemy. This was incredibly important during the Spanish Armada of 1588 when invading Spanish ships were seen from the South West coast of Britain. Fire beacons were lit and this quickly conveyed the message to London that the country was at imminent risk from invasion. It is entirely possible that the Beacon at Culmstock was one of those that was lit to pass the message. In one of the most well-known British naval victories, the Spanish Armada of 1588 was beaten and this success was due in part to the quick reaction of the local people who lit the fire beacons. 

41666410_237964096871047_6829093842835210240_n
Looking at the sky through the hole in the roof
41616372_1911877368902183_2516076319708545024_n
Looking through the window from inside the hut
41503628_2121100644568818_6809617562012221440_n
Looking through the door from inside the hut

The Beacon is easily viewed from the nearby villages of Culmstock and Hemyock and it is reached by a short drive towards Culmstock from the A38 which passes through the Devon/Somerset border near the village of Burlescombe. The Beacon can be accessed by a number of narrow roads which all have very limited parking so, if possible, the easiest way to reach the Beacon is by walking from one of the nearby villages. At the foot of the Blackdown Common are a number of roads that lead to dead ends and therefore the Beacon itself can only be accessed on foot. If you are intending to walk up to the top of the hill do be careful. It can be uneven underfoot and the rocks and stones become slippery when wet. The paths on Blackdown Common are also easily waterlogged and so it is advised that you wear sturdy, waterproof boots. 

41647136_2026640024315086_8744427069603053568_n
Views over Culmstock and Hemyock from Culmstock Beacon and top of Blackdown Common
41486641_474144713086078_608733634781773824_n
Heather on Blackdown Common
41675216_1819480264817465_3283977929196830720_n
Views over Culmstock and Hemyock from Culmstock Beacon and top of Blackdown Common

 

 

Be prepared to see plenty of beautiful wildlife as you make your way up to the Beacon hut. Blackdown Common is covered in heather which gives the hills a beautiful purple tinge when it is at its best. There are an abundance of wild ponies which graze on the common and you will be guaranteed to spot them. Rather more tricky to spot however are the beautiful deer which often leap out in front of you as you walk up to the hut. There are no restrictions as to when the Beacon can be accessed and there are amazing views to be seen all year round. This beautiful viewpoint over Mid-Devon is definitely worth many return trips. 

Article by Jo Norton, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Jo Norton

All articles on this blog are the property of the authors and We Love Mid-Devon. Whilst we are happy for you to share, No articles are to be reproduced, copied or screenshot without the permission of the author. Please contact us if you wish to re-produce in a publication.

Canonsleigh Abbey, Burlescombe

p1060257
Abbey ruins – accessible via public footpath

Situated on the edge of the idyllic Grand Western Canal in Devon, between Fossend and Fenacre bridges are the ruins of Canonsleigh Abbey (sometimes also called Canonsleigh Priory). There isn’t much left of the original site but the ruins that remain, provide a small glimpse into the importance of the Abbey and its purpose in Medieval times. The remains are now a combination of Grade two listed and scheduled monuments, protected by Historic England, meaning that they cannot be changed or destroyed.

 

p1060366
Abbey ruins – accessible via public footpath
p1060402
The Abbey Gatehouse – now private property

An Abbey/Priory has been in existence on the site for almost a thousand years, but the exact date of its original creation is uncertain. The closest determination is that some time around 1161 and 1173 a Royal confirmation for a Priory on the site was granted. It is thought however, that a Priory may well have been in operation before that date. In 1086 Walter I de Claville, a Frenchman from de Clavile in Rouen, France was gifted the land in the area of “Leigh” by William the Conqeror after his success at the Battle of Hastings. The landowner at the time had been a female Saxon called Aelfrun, a fact documented in the Domesday book in 1086.

p1060389
Upper part of the Abbey
p1060263
Hole (likely a window) in the side of the Abbey wall

The Priory at Leigh became known as Canonsleigh. It was a small Priory of Augustinian Canons/Priests, with just twelve in the order to start with, and was dedicated to St John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary. It operated as most Priory’s did in those days, with the Canons/Priests having ties to neighbouring villages such as Sampford Arundel, Netherton and Pugham. There were areas for prayer, gardens and kitchens. The Priory was subsidised by the Plympton Augustinian Priory, sadly however this had an impact on the Priory, and the it eventually found itself in financial difficulties. Isabella de Fortibus and the Countess of Gloucester (a dowager called Matilda, who wanted a memorial for her late husband), set about a chain of events that would see the Priory given over to them and turned into a nunnery. In 1284, after nine days of negotiations, the Canons were forced from the site by Bishop Quivel and men armed with bows and arrows. Canonsleigh Priory then became known as Canonsleigh Abbey, formally ending the Augustinian order at the site.

p1060376
The Abbey Gatehouse through trees by Westleigh Quarry

Canonsleigh Abbey was set up for around forty Canonesses, but their life at the Abbey wasn’t easy, and like the Canons/Priests before them they suffered hardship. They drew income from a variety of sources, including their relationship with Burlescombe Village Church, and donations from wealthy landowners, but it wasn’t enough. Money that had been set aside in the Bishop’s treasury by Matilda was borrowed by King Edward I, and it took the Canonesses fifty years of fighting to get it back. Eventually King Edward III (Edward I Grandson), returned the funds.

p1060386
View of the Abbey remains from private property
p1060277
The Reredorter
p1060379
View of the Abbey remains from private property

In the 1500’s life at Canonsleigh Abbey became even more difficult. Henry the VIII ordered the dissolution of all Convents, Friaries, Monasteries and Abbeys between 1536 and 1541 in England, Wales and Ireland. This act saw thousands of religious buildings razed to the ground, and income seized from the respective religious chapters. Canonsleigh Abbey didn’t escape, and even though it managed to carry on for a number of years after the Act was created it finally met its demise in September 1539, when the Abbey was razed to the ground and the Canonesses pensioned off.

p1060266
Roof line view of the Abbey
p1060345
View of the Abbey remains from private property
p1060363
Wooden post holes

Nowadays, Canonsleigh Abbey/Priory, is a small cluster of ruinous stone buildings that are slowing being claimed by ivy, trees and bushes. Many don’t know of its existence unless they happen to know someone who lives in the area. There has been much discussion about what buildings do remain on the now abandoned site. We know that Canonleigh Gatehouse exists, standing away from the other ruins, surrounded by modern builds. Amongst the other ruins, called the eastern ruins of the Abbey, it’s documented that there’s a Leat (millstream/artificial watercourse), a Reredorter (possible waste channel from privies and kitchens) and a maybe even a mill, as well as walls, partial buttresses, and a ‘room’. Thoughts are that one of these sites may actually be a kitchen area; likely in the Gatehouse.

p1060350
The Leat (looking at where water enters from a natural stream)
p1060351
The Leat
p1060353
The Leat

Evidence suggests that the site was much larger when in use, and housed St Theobalds Church, a chapel of Holy Trinity (now two cottages in Westleigh), Ancient chapel ruins (unnamed) at Fenacre farm, and two chapels dedicated to St Thomas the Martyr and All Saints (site location unknown). When the Lime Kilns at Cracker Corner by Westleigh quarry, were built, an ancient burial site was uncovered which included a lot of ancient bones. Experts believe that the area at Cracker Corner may have been the burial ground of St Theobalds Church.

p1060369
Cracker Corner – potential site of ancient burial ground
p1060281
Fenacre Farm – potential site of Chapel ruins

The size of the original site of Canonsleigh Abbey will never truly be known, as fields have been given over to farming, roads run next to – possibly even through – the site, and quarry workings at Westleigh have encroached upon it. But what remains is a small reminder of an incredible Medieval past, dating all the way back to the Domesday book. It is a tantalising glimpse of a history of which so much is still unknown and yet, could possibly still be discovered one day.

Author note: Access to Canonsleigh Abbey is via public footpaths/fields. Some of these fields contain livestock (horses and sheep), so care should be taken, especially with closing gates. Dogs should be kept on leads.  Whilst the Abbey is fascinating, it’s an ancient and ruinous building, sometimes there are stone falls, and climbing the ruins should be avoided. As an ancient/protected monument it should be treated with care. Please also note that part of the Abbey is on private property, and only accessible with landowner permission.

Article by Chrissie Parker, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Chrissie Parker.

All articles on this blog are the property of the authors and We Love Mid-Devon. Whilst we are happy for you to share, No articles are to be reproduced, copied or screenshot without the permission of the author. Please contact us if you wish to re-produce in a publication.

Minnows Touring Park, Devon

 

P1060898

There are plenty of places for visitors to Mid Devon to stay, options include hotels, B&B’s or camping, the choice is endless, but nestled in the heart of Mid Devon is a favourite of both locals and visitors; Minnows Touring Park. It’s a well established, welcoming and friendly site that’s been running for decades, bringing both new and repeat visitors to stay. It’s situated close to both major road routes and the south west rail line, making it easy to get to. So, whether you want to visit Exmoor, the Blackdown Hills, the north Devon coast or local towns of Exeter, Honiton and Tiverton, Minnows is in the perfect location for south-west visitors to stay and explore the varied and exciting aspects of Devon.

P1060888
Toilet and shower block
DCIM100MEDIADJI_0028.JPG
Aerial view of Minnows Touring Park, Grand Western Canal and Devon countryside
P1060887
Laundry room

Minnows Touring Park is set up for both Caravans and Motorhomes, and visitors have plenty of space not only for their accommodation on wheels, but for an extra car, a table and chairs, and there’s even space to hang out your laundry should you require it. The site has fifty-nine pitches across five and half landscaped acres, and there are plenty of amenities, including a toilet and shower block (inclusive of disabled facilities), a laundry room, washing up and vegetable preparation facilities, electricity and water, and disposal points.

P1060874
Water and disposal facilities
P1060877
A typical site
P1060886
Electricity

If that isn’t enough there’s also a Main Reception and Information Centre, and a play area for children. Fourteen of the pitches also have fresh water connections, the site has 16 amp electricity connection and should it be required, butane, Camping Gaz, and Propane too. There is also a facility at Minnows for both winter and seasonal storage, and if you’re a pet lover they also accept dogs.

P1060895
Main Reception

 

P1060880
Children’s play area
P1060894
Information Centre

There is something quite unique about Minnows, whilst the M5 motorway and north Devon link road are nearby, it has a tranquil feel to it, making it seem like you are million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. In a natural enclave, surrounded by tall trees, the site sits next to the beautiful Grand Western Canal, a local conservation area, and the last canal to be built in the UK. This only adds to the unique location of the site, making it a special and relaxing place to stay.

P1060896
Beautiful trees and hedges surrounding pitches
P1050972
Holbrook Bridge on the Grand Western Canal, next to Minnows
P1060878.JPG
The tranquility of the site surrounded by trees

There are lots of activities to do on the Grand Western Canal including walking, canoeing and fishing, and it is a favourite with many locals, as well as returning visitors. Minnows has direct gated access onto the canal with its own landing stage that visitors can use, as well as a nearby slipway, for boats and canoes. Permits are required for boats and fishing, but these are easily accessed at Main Reception. The Grand Western Canal is also a designated cycle route, and the nearest village of Sampford Peverell is only ten minutes walk along the towpath, where visitors can find plenty of other amenities including two pubs, cycle hire, a corner shop with post office facilities and a farm shop.

20150822_151250
Canoeists and Landing stage
20150822_152714
Sampford Peverell
P1050971
Bicycle and landing stage

Minnows Touring Park is easy to find, situated not far from Junction 27 on the M5 signposted by brown tourism signs. All visitors need to do is take the A361 to Barnstaple, and leave at the first junction signposted to Sampford Peverell where signs will direct you. The site is also within walking distance of Tiverton Parkway station, which is on the main south-west railway, with train routes across the UK. Sampford Peverell also has well connected bus routes. Minnows Touring Park is open from March through to October each year, and can be booked directly by either phoning or emailing them.  More information can be found on Minnows Touring Park website.

DCIM100MEDIADJI_0018.JPG
Aerial view of Minnows Touring Park and Grand Western Canal

For anyone who loves travelling and exploring new places in their caravan or motorhome, Minnows Touring Park is the perfect place to stay when visiting Devon. It’s in a beautiful location, run by a friendly and welcoming team, the amenities are excellent and there is so much to see and do that you’ll be spoiled for choice, and want to return year after year!

  • Have you stayed at Minnows Touring Park? If so what was your favourite thing about it?

Article by Chrissie Parker, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Chrissie Parker. Aerial images courtesy of Minnows Touring Park.

All articles on this blog are the property of the authors and We Love Mid-Devon. Whilst we are happy for you to share, No articles are to be reproduced, copied or screenshot without the permission of the author. Please contact us if you wish to re-produce in a publication.

Coldharbour Mill, Uffculme

12920347_689683461135173_6046681316341869523_n

Coldharbour Mill Museum is situated in the village of Uffculme close to the M5 motorway. It’s one of the UK’s oldest woollen mills, owned by the Fox Brothers a well-known local textile producer. The mill has produced many items over the years including cloth, textile and yarn. Nowadays it’s a working wool museum where visitors can explore and learn more about the history of a working textile mill, the work and processes involved. 

12938346_689683977801788_2282279125856223516_n1917948_689683211135198_8455414323242216447_n12321453_689683854468467_9100903266089892156_n

Uffculme is one of the oldest villages in the area and mentioned in the Domesday Book. It’s thought that a mill of some kind has been active on the site since medieval times – originally built for corn – until the mill was eventually developed into a woollen textile business in 1797 by Thomas Fox. The site included land, a water wheel and a variety of buildings and after opening another site at Tonedale in Somerset Thomas Fox ran the business with his six sons. A key part of the Industrial Revolution, the company added a new water wheel to Coldharbour Mill in 1821 and steam engines were added in 1865. 

12938130_689683277801858_2225054505980961394_n1656065_689683447801841_1864870658529729280_n

As it continued to grow the business shifted to worsted spinning, which enabled the company to increase demand, producing high quality and much sought after products, becoming very successful. The mill was powered by steam from 1865 right through to 1981, when the mill opened a working museum in 1982. It still continues to operate as a working museum today, giving visitors an exciting glimpse into an important south-west business. Throughout the year members of the Steam Volunteer Group demonstrate the old steam equipment, giving visitors the opportunity to see the old steam driven machinery in operation.

Things to see

There are many exhibits at the museum for visitors to see, including the steam equipment which mainly comes from this mill, but a few of the pieces are from the nearby – now closed – Tonedale Mill in Somerset. Other exhibits include weaving and spinning machines. Visitors can also see some of the old equipment in use, and experience what it would have been like to work in one of these factories and what life for families at the time was really like. There is also a section showing visitors some of the products that have been made at the site over time, including the production of Puttee’s during WWI and WWII.

12928205_689683711135148_8420009647120825565_n12923274_689683677801818_6948544807145805726_n12924320_689683741135145_8443878488227835163_n

Coldharbour Mill is a fantastic place and it gives visitors a real glimpse into the industrial past of Mid Devon. Not only does it still supply much loved products to a variety of companies, but it opens its doors to both locals and visitors from further afield so that they can learn more about its history, and it caters for school education visits too. As well as the incredibly interesting buildings, machinery and old working tools, the mill has a cafe, gift shop and some nice outside spaces for visitors including an outdoor play area for children and picnic area. The mill is also close to a lovely riverside walk, and only fifteen minutes walk from the heart of the village of Uffculme if visitors wish to venture further afield. 

12919682_689683217801864_5535216586443904481_n12042725_689683607801825_1889668909893990948_n10014888_689683777801808_8465352697893049298_n

Visting Coldharbour Mill

So, if you’re looking for something interesting to do in Mid-Devon why not visit Coldharbour Mill. Around ten minutes drive from Junction 27 of the M5 motorway, it’s very easy to locate, all you need to do is follow the signs to Willand and then the brown visitor signs to Working Wool Museum, Uffculme. The nearest train station is Tiverton Parkway and there are buses to the village of Uffculme. To learn more about ticket prices and opening hours click the following link.

  • Have you ever visited Coldharbour Mill? If so what did you like the most about it?

 

Article by Chrissie Parker, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Chrissie Parker.

All articles on this blog are the property of the authors and We Love Mid-Devon. Whilst we are happy for you to share, No articles are to be reproduced, copied or screenshot without the permission of the author. Please contact us if you wish to re-produce in a publication.

Knightshayes

Situated in the heart of Mid-Devon close to the town of Tiverton is Knightshayes. Owned by the National Trust, Knightshayes is a wonderful place filled with acres of beautiful parkland and gardens, as well as a Kitchen Garden and the impressive Gothic Revival house. 

P1060759

The site at Knightshayes is thought have originally been parkland that belonged to the Courtenay Earls of Devon, linked to Tiverton Castle. When the Courtenay dynasty died out in the 16th Century and the property was bound over to the Crown. By 1679 Knghtshayes had been changed from Parkland to agricultural land, becoming a farm of around 100 acres. George Thorne, a Tiverton cloth merchant, built a house on the north west area of Knightshayes. The site then passed to a banker and clothier from Tiverton called Benjamin Dickinson who, in 1787, built a new house south of the mansion. During his ownership Benjamin Dickinson changed some of the grounds landscape, mainly focussing hedges, lawns and shrubs. 

P1060749P1060750

In 1867 John Heathcoat Amory a Tiverton Lace manufacturer purchased Knightshayes. Grandson of the mechanised lace bobbin machine and owner of Tiverton’s lace making factory, John Heathcoat. In 1869, John Heathcoat Amory decided to build the current existing house and it was completed around four years later. The designer William Burgess was hired to work on the house interiors but was sacked from his position part way through the process due to falling out with the family. Edward Kemp designed many of the terraced gardens, as well the Burges Kitchen garden and American garden. He also advised on many other garden features that include the Church Path through plantations, the ha-ha, and he even removed a lot of the previously planted hedges to open up parkland views. Over time many additions were added to Knightshayes and the house was handed down through the family. Upon the death of the final owners, John and Joyce Heathcoat-Amory the house was given over to the National Trust who now look after it and open it to visitors. 

The House and Gardens

Best described as Victorian Gothic revival, the house at Knightshayes has three levels, two are open to the public and visitors get a great view of the extensive rooms. There is a lovely minstrels gallery, plentiful bedrooms and a huge library is filled to the brim with a whole range of old books. The dining room has two large fireplaces and set with a great long table, the kitchens can also be viewed and there is an office and billiard room that make up the “gentleman’s rooms”. Many of the rooms have period furniture and lots of original paintings, ornaments and other personal items that belonged to the family. 

P1060768

The formal gardens are lovely, there is a terrace overlooking freshly cut lawns leading to the ha-ha as well as a pond complete with fountain. Topiary hedges, benches to sit and an ornamental pond also provide quiet spaces for visitors to sit and enjoy their beautiful surroundings. A formally planted garden filled with flowers and trees leads into a lovely woodland walk.

The Parkland 

Sweeping, undulating green hills and tall trees make up some of the vast, beautiful parkland that surrounds the main house on the estate. There are woodland walks, flowers grow in abundance bringing bright patches of colour to the area, and there is also farmland where Exmoor sheep graze. For children there is a the Four Oaks wild play area where they can burn off excess energy and have fun.

P1060757P1060771

The Kitchen Garden

Close to the house is the Kitchen Garden, it is built on a slope and surrounded buy stone walls. At the corners closest to the house are round stone turrets, that have pointed roofs. The garden is full of fruit and veg and much of it is grown, and used, in the Knightshayes cafe. It’s a lovely example of a Kitchen Garden and if you’re feeling very adventurous there us a Douglas Fir walk the other side of it, which has a play area and some interesting trees. 

P1060778P1060779

This lovely National Trust property doesn’t disappoint. Many locals often pay repeat visits to it and anyone who loves old houses, exploring the outdoors or a bit of local Devon history will just love visiting Knightshayes. To learn more visit their website.

  • Have you ever visited Knightshayes? If so what did you like the most about it?

 

Article by Chrissie Parker, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Chrissie Parker.

All articles on this blog are the property of the authors and We Love Mid-Devon. Whilst we are happy for you to share, No articles are to be reproduced, copied or screenshot without the permission of the author. Please contact us if you wish to re-produce in a publication.

Grand Western Canal

Situated in Mid-Devon, is the Grand Western Canal. It’s just over eleven miles long and starts at Tiverton basin, winding its way through the rolling mid-Devon countryside, before ending abruptly at Lowdswells close to the Somerset border.

image-1-canal-general

The Grand Western Canal was the last canal to be built in the UK, work started on it in 1810 and finished in 1838. The original intention was for it to link up with the Taunton canal/river Tone, but it was never completed due to the advent of the railways which is why it ends so abruptly. The canal was built to transport coal and limestone, there are two old limekilns, the remains of an old quarry railway, and The Waytown Tunnel – a barge wide tunnel at Greenham. The canal meanders its way through the countryside, and has no locks due to the way it was constructed. At Lowdswells the canal continues as a rough, dry section, and it is possible to walk the intended route, around 13miles, to Taunton. This section has remnants of locks and lifts, and is a lovely section to explore. It makes you wonder what it would have looked like if it had ever been completed, and connected to Taunton and Bridgwater Canal.

P1050318

Nowadays, the canal is a conservation area. There is a lot to see especially if you love a multitude of wildlife that includes swans, moorhens, ducks, and a variety of other birds such as birds of prey and kingfishers. Pike and other fish haunt the depths of the water hiding among the vegetation and it is also home to elusive otters. The canal is beautiful, serene, and a perfect place to walk whatever the weather. In winter fog hugs the water and ice clings to the bare branched trees. In spring the towpath fills with colour as daffodils, bluebells and primroses bloom in riotous colour. In summer growing cygnets paddle the water accompanied by their proud parents, enjoying the bright sunshine. In autumn leaves of russet and gold flutter to the towpath and vegetation dies back to prepare for another winter.

image-4-canal-bridge

As well as being a haven for wildlife the canal is also a popular tourist attraction. Runners, walkers and cyclists stretch their legs daily, kayakers and paddle-boarders explore the water, and fishermen cast their lines in search of a catch. At Tiverton basin the history and heritage of the canal is displayed in a small museum, a colourful and traditional, horse-drawn barge offers visitors the chance to experience a trip along the canal, and there are two tearooms, where weary visitors can rest their feet.

P1050311

Wherever you look, there is much evidence of the old canal industry, and visitors can only imagine what the area would have been like at its height during the industrial revolution, as it seems so far away from the beautiful conservation area that it has now become. As well as the canal so many other interesting things sit next to it. The canal is surrounded by public footpaths that take walkers across fields, through picturesque villages and there is even an old monastery that dates back centuries, giving a real insight into the ancient land that surround this wonderful tourist attraction.

  • Have you visited the Grand Western Canal? If so, which is your favourite part?

 

Article by Chrissie Parker, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Chrissie Parker.

All articles on this blog are the property of the authors and We Love Mid-Devon. Whilst we are happy for you to share, No articles are to be reproduced, copied or screenshot without the permission of the author. Please contact us if you wish to re-produce in a publication.

Tiverton Museum

20170818_125454.jpg

Situated in the town of Tiverton in Mid Devon, is the Tiverton Museum. The Museum is a place to learn all about the life and local history of Tiverton and the surrounding area. It’s much bigger than I expected and I spent a good few hours wandering through the halls that are filled with lots of interesting exhibits.

Devon Agricultural life

There’s a large number of displays dedicated to agriculture and farming life in Devon, from cider presses, to farming implements. The displays give the visitor an incredible overview of life in the industry before mechanisation. Visitors can learn about sowing crops, ploughing and even milling. Some of the farming artefacts date back to the 1800’s and some of the cider press items are even older.

20170818_13000320170818_130151

Doomsday Book and Archaeology

My favourite part of the museum was the Britton Gallery, which houses some archaeological displays (and you know how much I love archaeology!). It includes information about archaeological ages, some hand axes reputed to be around 400,000 years old, and there is also information about the Bolham Roman Fort, The bit I liked the most was reading about the Doomsday Book. A number of villages surrounding Tiverton are mentioned in the Doomsday Book, and it was fascinating to read more, especially as the village I live in, is one of the places mentioned! It seems that the area of Tiverton is very steeped in history if you look hard enough.

20170818_130604.jpg

Heathcoat Gallery

Anyone who knows Tiverton well will know all about the Heathcoat family and their factory. Part of the museum is set aside to inform visitors about the Heathcoats and it highlight’s the history of the family, and the work undertaken at the factory, including some of the machinery that would have been used in the past. There’s also a board telling visitors about the use of lace made at the factory; including lace that went on to make Princess Diana’s wedding veil.

20170818_13112920170818_131133

Through the Ages

There are a number of galleries that show Tiverton and surrounding areas through the ages. These include Kitchen and Laundry, Cottage Parlour, and the Upper and Lower Amory Galleries. There are so many great things to see in these galleries, including a prison door, local trade artefacts and Civic Life. My favourite was the WW1 and WW2 section. It included a number of war items including rations books, warden/fire guard and home guard insignias, and even an Anderson shelter (complete with an operational air-raid siren!).

20170818_13313420170818_133120

The Courtyard

Outside in the Courtyard there are more pieces of agricultural equipment. In a side gallery there’s a fantastic Silverton Fire Engine thought to date from around 1837. A second gallery contains an extensive display of farm wagons that belonged to a local farming family from Netherexe Barton. It’s wonderful that this local heritage has been preserved for people to see and learn from.

20170818_13350920170818_133651

The Tivvy Bumper

The final gallery is home to the Tivvy Bumper, a sparkling green and black locomotive that used to operate on local railway lines. The Tivvy Bumper is surrounded by and extensive collection of railway items, such as signals, and railway signs. There is also a board that tells the history of the railways and various railway stations in the Tiverton area. Information on various road transport and of course the Grand Western Canal is also present in the gallery.

20170818_13391620170818_134409

As well as all of the exhibits mentioned above the museum also has a Tourist Information Service and a great shop full of books, postcards, keyrings, magnets and some lovely Tiverton themed gifts. The staff were so friendly and welcoming and I really enjoyed my visit to Tiverton Museum. It’s an interesting and inspiring place that provides so much information about the history of Tiverton and surrounding areas, and I shall definitely go back to visit it again soon.

For more Information about Tiverton Museum, including opening times and where to find them, go to their website.

 

Article by Chrissie Parker, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Chrissie Parker.

All articles on this blog are the property of the authors and We Love Mid-Devon. Whilst we are happy for you to share, No articles are to be reproduced, copied or screenshot without the permission of the author. Please contact us if you wish to re-produce in a publication.

Welcome to We Love Mid-Devon

Why Mid-Devon?

2015-09-26 at 12-00-54

Mid Devon, is an area that stretches from the beauty of Exmoor towards the Blackdown Hills and down towards Crediton. It’s main town is Tiverton, and has some great highlights including Coldharbour Mill, The National Trust Property, Knightshayes, and the fantastic Grand Western Canal.

There’s so much more to the area though, and this site aims to show visitors to Mid-Devon all they need to know about the many beautiful places to visit, as well as providing posts about local events.

We hope you enjoy the site and if you have anything you would like to contribute, please contact us.

Chrissie and Jo.

We Love Mid-Devon

All articles on this blog are the property of the authors and We Love Mid-Devon. Whilst we are happy for you to share, No articles are to be reproduced, copied or screenshot without the permission of the author. Please contact us if you wish to re-produce in a publication.