Topsham Museum
Source: https://topshammuseum.org.uk
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:32
Topsham Museum
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Topsham from the Foreshore
– by Primrose Vera Pitman (1902-1998)
The oldest part of 25 Strand, the Merchant’s House, has substantial structural defects requiring extensive repairs to roof trusses, floor joists, lintels, windows and shutters.
The Trustees are concerned at the lack of progress in undertaking the repairs to enable reopening in the foreseeable future. Their open letter to the Leader of the Council can be read
here
.
While repairs are ongoing the Museum cannot open to the public. You can download the detailed
planning statement
which explains the problems and their repairs.
The proposed repair scheme has listed building consent, but progress on starting and completing the works depends on the availability of funding. More information will be posted on
this page
whenever we have news of progress.
The Museum is housed in one of a group of late 17
th
century buildings overlooking the Exe Estuary. Visitors can enjoy the furnished period rooms of the original Merchant’s House and the exhibits in the Sail Loft. Displays give a timeline of the town’s general history with much of the Museum’s focus on Topsham’s maritime history, in its role as a trade port and shipbuilding centre. Exhibits also include unique historic river craft, local trades and organisations and wildlife of the Exe Estuary. You can also see memorabilia of the film star Vivien Leigh and discover why these can be found in Topsham Museum. Follow the links to see more, or jump to
our latest news
.
Visit
How to find us. Explore collections and exhibitions, enjoy the garden, savour a cream tea, browse the shop. Discover Topsham walks and Museum guided tours and group visits.
Read more
What’s On
There are permanent and temporary Museum exhibitions, lectures, guided walks, special events and family activities. There’s also a 24/7 virtual tour and online exhibitions.
Read more
Collections
The Museum boasts collections related to Topsham’s past – a Roman settlement, the medieval charter, maritime history and local trade. Some of our collections can be seen online.
Read more
Learning
Discover Topsham’s unique history: browse the reference library, research local and family history. We host group visits and we can provide visiting speakers.
Read more
About Us
A member of a local ship-building family, Dorothy Holman, established the Museum in her own house, bequeathing it to the Town. Discover our history and read about our aims.
Read more
Support Us
The Museum is volunteer-run and maintained, and entry is free to all. It is funded by membership subscriptions and donations. We welcome new volunteers and members.
Read more
Our latest news …
The Stonehenge Landscape
16 April 2026 @ 11:00. Dr Susan Greaney speaks on the lessons of the last 10 years of research around Stonehenge.
Read More
Find My Friends
1 to 21 April 2026. Explore the Riverside Garden to find Frankie the Fox's friends. Take away the colouring sheet.
Read More
Devon in the 1920s
21 May 2026 @ 11:00. Dr Julia Neville speaks on the Devon History Society's research programme that explored the question "What was life like in Devon 100 years ago?"
Read More
Mass Observation in Devon
16 June 2026 @ 19:30. Dr Todd Gray returns to talk about Mass Observation in Devon during the Second World War.
Read More
Skip to content
Topsham from the Foreshore
– by Primrose Vera Pitman (1902-1998)
The oldest part of 25 Strand, the Merchant’s House, has substantial structural defects requiring extensive repairs to roof trusses, floor joists, lintels, windows and shutters.
The Trustees are concerned at the lack of progress in undertaking the repairs to enable reopening in the foreseeable future. Their open letter to the Leader of the Council can be read
here
.
While repairs are ongoing the Museum cannot open to the public. You can download the detailed
planning statement
which explains the problems and their repairs.
The proposed repair scheme has listed building consent, but progress on starting and completing the works depends on the availability of funding. More information will be posted on
this page
whenever we have news of progress.
The Museum is housed in one of a group of late 17
th
century buildings overlooking the Exe Estuary. Visitors can enjoy the furnished period rooms of the original Merchant’s House and the exhibits in the Sail Loft. Displays give a timeline of the town’s general history with much of the Museum’s focus on Topsham’s maritime history, in its role as a trade port and shipbuilding centre. Exhibits also include unique historic river craft, local trades and organisations and wildlife of the Exe Estuary. You can also see memorabilia of the film star Vivien Leigh and discover why these can be found in Topsham Museum. Follow the links to see more, or jump to
our latest news
.
Visit
How to find us. Explore collections and exhibitions, enjoy the garden, savour a cream tea, browse the shop. Discover Topsham walks and Museum guided tours and group visits.
Read more
What’s On
There are permanent and temporary Museum exhibitions, lectures, guided walks, special events and family activities. There’s also a 24/7 virtual tour and online exhibitions.
Read more
Collections
The Museum boasts collections related to Topsham’s past – a Roman settlement, the medieval charter, maritime history and local trade. Some of our collections can be seen online.
Read more
Learning
Discover Topsham’s unique history: browse the reference library, research local and family history. We host group visits and we can provide visiting speakers.
Read more
About Us
A member of a local ship-building family, Dorothy Holman, established the Museum in her own house, bequeathing it to the Town. Discover our history and read about our aims.
Read more
Support Us
The Museum is volunteer-run and maintained, and entry is free to all. It is funded by membership subscriptions and donations. We welcome new volunteers and members.
Read more
Our latest news …
The Stonehenge Landscape
16 April 2026 @ 11:00. Dr Susan Greaney speaks on the lessons of the last 10 years of research around Stonehenge.
Read More
Find My Friends
1 to 21 April 2026. Explore the Riverside Garden to find Frankie the Fox's friends. Take away the colouring sheet.
Read More
Devon in the 1920s
21 May 2026 @ 11:00. Dr Julia Neville speaks on the Devon History Society's research programme that explored the question "What was life like in Devon 100 years ago?"
Read More
Mass Observation in Devon
16 June 2026 @ 19:30. Dr Todd Gray returns to talk about Mass Observation in Devon during the Second World War.
Read More