Topsham Museum

Topsham Museum stands in the old riverside town of Topsham, just outside Exeter in Devon. The museum occupies a 17th-century building on the Strand, a street that follows the curve of the Exe estuary. This Grade II listed building was constructed around 1688 and later altered in the 18th century, when its upper floors were raised and a new staircase was added. The museum’s own walls and gates are also separately listed, marking their historic importance. The building was donated to Exeter City Council by its founder, Dorothy Holman, for use as a museum. At present the building is closed for repairs, though collections can still be viewed online. The museum is worth visiting for its varied exhibits and community ties. It covers Exeter’s Roman past, Topsham’s maritime story, and even the life of actress Vivien Leigh. Local boatbuilding and ships such as HMS Terror feature among the maritime displays. The museum organises regular lectures at nearby Matthews Hall, drawing on advice from the Royal Albert Memorial Museum’s assistant curator. Two long-serving volunteers were recognised in the 2021 New Year Honours, and the Earl of Devon became patron in 2024. Around 200 volunteers keep the museum running day to day. Inside, visitors find rooms arranged over several floors, each devoted to different themes. The exhibits include artefacts from Roman Exeter and items linked to the town’s shipbuilding trade. Maritime models and photographs show how small boats and larger vessels were constructed along the estuary. A display on Vivien Leigh traces her connections to the area. The building itself, with its historic staircase and heightened upper rooms, adds to the sense of stepping back in time. Even during closure, online access lets people explore parts of the collection from home.