In 1285 by a Charter of Edward 1st  Ashburton became a Stannary Town - one of four in Devon.  Tin Mining has played a great part in the development of the town as has the Woollen Industry.


A lovely local museum full of well displayed exhibitions of Dartmoor artefacts, local history and geology, posters, documents and Ashburton Worthies. It also includes the Paul Endacott North American Indian Collection. There are many exhibits of interest to children.