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Topsham Museum
2008 flyer

Topsham Museum

 
Topsham Museum is housed in one of a group of late 17th century buildings overlooking the Exe Estuary. (See News for details of the 'long listing' for the Art Fund Prize 2008).

Part of the Museum's focus is on Topsham's maritime history - one particular showpiece is the River Gallery, completed in 2007, featuring unique historic river craft. But visitors can also enjoy the furnished period rooms of the house, and the Sail Loft with its historical timeline of the town's general history. Other interesting exhibits include wildlife of the Exe Estuary, local crafts including lace, and memorabilia of the film star Vivien Leigh.

Topsham's position as a sheltered harbour enabled it to thrive as a port, a centre for fishing and shipbuilding in a largely forgotten period when the Exe was thronged with sailing vessels and its shipyards were major employers in the town, whose trade at its height rivalled that of London.

Admission is free, and the site incorporates pleasant gardens and tearoom.
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