The collection is an archive one consisting of documents, together with a postcard and photographic collection relating to the Crediton Area.

Old alms houses, Crediton

14, St Lawrence Green, Crediton. Circa 1850.

Downes

Downes is a large mansion, one mile to the east of Crediton, which has been the seat of the Buller family since the 18th. century. The present owner is Mr Henry Parker who succeeded to the estate through the female line.  Part of the house, including the family museum dedicated to Sir Redvers Buller of Boer War fame, is open to the public on selected Monday and Tuesday afternoons during May and June and Bank Holidays (excluding Chistmas and New Year). Members of our Society act as stewards and guides.

The Buller family played an important part in the affairs of the town, particularly in the 19th. century. The Crediton Improvement Act of 1836 was sponsored by James Buller M.P. and several of his successors were Chairmen of the Improvement Commissioners who carried out the provisions of the Act. General Sir Redvers Buller, V.C., as well as commanding the British forces at the relief of Ladysmith in 1900, took a very active part in local affairs and the memorial to him in the Church of the Holy Cross, raised by public subscription, bears witness to the honour in which he was held.

The Society's Archives are situated at the rear of the building.

Dunscombe

Dunscombe is an ancient farm almost opposite Downes and until comparatively recently owned by the Bullers. However, before that and indeed going back at least to the 16th. century, it was owned by the Bodley family who had their roots in Exeter and who were connected with Thomas Bodley who founded the Bodleian Library in Oxford.

The house or rather the shell of it, has recently been acquired by Mr and Mrs M. Skinner, who kindly showed a party of us round. It was interesting to see traces of work of 500 years ago and many of the developments that have taken place since. In the hands of such dedicated and sensitive owners we can look forward to a total restoration in about 10 years!

Crediton Town Hall

The Crediton Public Rooms, known as the Town Hall, was built in 1852; the money for it was raised by selling shares at two pounds ten shillings each. £600 pounds was raised and a board of directors was appointed. In the 1890s, after some difficulties, a new company was formed which survived until the First World War when the hall was occupied by the military. Afterwards it housed the cinema for some years, doubling up as a dance hall. It was acquired by the British Legion and the rear part was sold off to the Constitutional Club, later the Conservative club In the early 1960s it was bought by the Moore Trust and at various times since has been used as a furniture store and a fruit and vegetable shop.

The ground floor is at present occupied by the Tourist Information Centre, run jointly by Mid-Devon District Council and the Devonshire Heartland Tourism Association. This latter organisation is taking a leading part, together with several local interested groups, in raising funds for the purchase of the building to use as a focus for the Town and surrounding district with the aim of fostering the arts and social contact, to provide a venue for public performances and to be a centre for the dissemination of information for the whole district. The Society is represented on the steering committee.