Tales from a Devon kitchen: Exploring Devon’s food history

Tales from a Devon kitchen: Exploring Devon’s food history - Torquay Museum

16 September 2026 16 September 2026

When: 16 September 2026
Where: Torquay Museum, Pengelly Hall
Time: 10:45 - 12:00
Suitable for: Not suitable for children

Join us in Pengelly Hall for a special lecture highlighting the often overlooked history of the Devon kitchen, inspired by artefacts and notebooks from Charles Hay Laycock's Devon folk life collection.

Dr Paul Cleave, from the University of Exeter, will look at Devon’s evolving food history and the stories behind some of the seemingly everyday fare eaten in the Devonshire farmhouse and cottage. Drawing on his current research, Dr Cleave will explore how the routine of kitchen and dairy, the sustenance for the harvest field, and the frawsy (a treat or small feast) reveals a culinary legacy which belies a deep relationship between people, place, and their food. Visit our Old Devon Farmhouse gallery afterwards to explore a reconstruction of the Devon kitchen in person.
You are welcome to explore the galleries for free, as part of your booking.

Pre-booking required.

You may book your place via Eventbrite or by contacting the Museum.

Please book here.

Upcoming events