Allhallows Museum Of Honiton

Allhallows Museum, located in the historic high street of Honiton, is a treasure trove of local heritage and artefacts. Founded in 1946, the museum is still run entirely by volunteers who are dedicated to preserving the heritage of Honiton and its surrounding district. The museum's focus is on all things Honiton, and it holds the largest collection of Honiton lace in the world, tracing the history of lacemaking in Honiton from the 17th century to the present day.

The museum's lace collection includes the first written evidence of lace production in Honiton - a brass plaque from the tomb of James Rodge, dated 1617. Visitors can also see examples of black lace worn by Victorians as a symbol of mourning and a scarlet nightdress which belonged to Wallis Simpson, for whom King Edward abdicated the throne in 1936. The museum also displays fossils and historic artefacts from archaeological digs in the area, including the famous Honiton Hippo. The fossilised remains of seventeen hippos were found during the construction of the bypass in 1965 and are thought to have lived in the area during a warm interlude in the Ice Age.

The Murch Gallery showcases numerous examples of Honiton Pottery, while another display features historic objects unearthed by the East Devon Metal Detecting Club, including Bronze Age, Roman, and medieval finds. Other displays include a furnished Victorian dolls house, local trade tokens and coins, war memorabilia, Hot Penny Day, and children's toys. The museum also has a display on Allhallows School, featuring school mementoes and perhaps their most famous student; Sir Arthur Travers (Bomber) Harris, head of Bomber Command in WWII.

In addition to the displays, the museum provides research services, education programmes, and lace-making workshops for schools and community groups. The museum's shop sells a range of items related to Honiton's history and heritage, including books, postcards, and lace.

Visitor Information

Allhallows Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. The museum is fully accessible and has a gift shop and toilets. Guided tours can be arranged for groups by appointment.

Murch Gallery

The Murch Gallery showcases a collection of Honiton Pottery, which was produced in the town from the 18th to the 20th century. The pottery is known for its distinctive blue and white patterns and its high-quality craftsmanship. The gallery also features examples of contemporary pottery and ceramics from local artists.

Nicol Gallery

The Nicol Gallery showcases a collection of historic objects unearthed by the East Devon Metal Detecting Club. The displays include Bronze Age, Roman, and medieval finds, and provide a fascinating insight into the history of the area.

Norman Gallery

The Norman Gallery displays a collection of fossils and historic artefacts from archaeological digs in the area. The most famous exhibit is the Honiton Hippo, the fossilised remains of seventeen hippos found during the construction of the bypass in 1965.

Research

The museum provides research services for individuals and organisations. The museum's collections include a wealth of information on Honiton's history and heritage, and the museum's staff and volunteers are happy to assist with enquiries.

Schools and Community Groups

The museum offers education programmes and lace-making workshops for schools and community groups. The workshops are led by experienced lace-makers who teach the traditional techniques of Honiton lace-making.

Shop

The museum shop sells a range of items related to Honiton's history and heritage, including books, postcards, and lace. The shop also stocks a selection of contemporary crafts and gifts from local artists.