Ashburton Museum

About the museum

Ashburton Museum owes its start to a local councillor, Robert Garner, who gathered local objects in the 1950s. It first opened on 22 February 1958 in a small room in the tower of St Lawrence Chapel, moved to a former classroom in 1962 and, in 1968, to its present home at 1 West Street. The building had been a brush-making works; its owner sold it to the museum committee in 1967 at about half its value on condition that it became a museum, and it was officially opened on 18 May 1968.

The museum stands in the Bull Ring area of the town centre, in a Grade II listed building, and its displays are spread over three floors. They reflect the history of Ashburton, which was made a Stannary Town by charter of Edward I in 1285, one of four in Devon, and whose development was shaped by tin mining and the wool trade.

The collection includes agricultural tools from the 18th century onwards, displays on the town's mills, umber mining and wool processing, and objects connected with the old Court Leet, such as bread weighers' and ale tasters' items. A first-floor lace collection shows wedding and party dresses, and a Native American collection was donated by Paul Endacott, whose father was born in Ashburton. Local pewter, Bristol sealed bottles and 19th-century election broadsheets are also kept. Volunteers staff the museum.

Highlights

• Native American collection donated by Paul Endacott
• Lace and costume collection on the first floor
• Court Leet objects such as bread weighers’ and ale tasters’ items
• Displays on wool, mills and umber mining
• Agricultural tools and local pewter

Permanent exhibitions

• Native American collection – Objects donated by Paul Endacott, whose father was born in Ashburton.
• Lace and costume – A first-floor collection of lace, including a yellow silk wedding dress and a child’s party dress.
• Town trades and Court Leet – Displays on the mills, umber mining and wool processing of the town and on Court Leet customs such as bread weighers and ale tasters.

Founded

1958

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free at all times.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The exhibits are spread over three floors. The museum has not published access details; visitors who need information can phone or e-mail beforehand.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at the Bull Ring in the town centre, where North Street meets West Street and East Street. Shops and tea rooms are an easy, level walk away.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit