Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life

23/06/2026

Many of you will have heard about the exciting news from just down the road in Halberton!

Archaeologists from the University of Exeter, working with Devon County Council, Tiverton Archaeology Group and the Sampford Peverell Society, are currently excavating a rare Roman villa, complete with colourful mosaic floors and underfloor heating, as part of the SHARE project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Museum staff were super excited to get on site last week and see how the dig is going so far. We are delighted that the finds, including the mosaic, will come to the museum in due course.

Find out more about the project, at the link below, and look out for another Open Day coming up in July.

https://sites.exeter.ac.uk/share/

Archaeology, University of Exeter

22/06/2026

A fascinating history, some of which you can learn about in our Heathcoat gallery.

From parachutes to military uniforms, this Devon company has a fascinating history 🧵

Founded in 1808, Heathcoat Fabrics has produced a wide range of highly technical fabrics over the years, including for parachutes and military uniforms and is also developing a fabric for chemical warfare protection, all at its site in Tiverton.

Find out more: https://bbc.in/4fP1DhC

22/06/2026

*** Update - Saturday 11th now sold out ***

Very few tickets left for our new Elmore guided walk... if you've been meaning to book, this is your not so gentle nudge!

Elmore has a history that might surprise you. It was given to the poor of Tiverton as common land back in 1250, though, in a story that will sound familiar to anyone who knows how these things tend to go, it was gradually enclosed, encroached upon and sold off over the centuries.

There was a mill here too... and we feel for poor Mr Curwood, who owned it in the 1870s. Flooded, repaired, failed to sell, and then destroyed by fire leading to bankruptcy! The mill itself stood roughly where Tesco is today.

The walk also takes in the former Hare & Hounds Inn on Chapel Street and Elmore School, both well known names locally, with stories behind them that might not be.

Very limited availability on both dates, book now to avoid missing out.

Friday 3rd July and Saturday 11th July, 1.30 - 3pm
https://museumshops.uk/product/elmore-guided-walk/

19/06/2026

A little treat for our neighbours.

Join us for Locals Day on Saturday 27th June for half price admission, for anyone living in EX16, EX15, EX5, EX17 or TA21. Adults £4.25, accompanied children still free.

If you've been meaning to visit but never quite got round to it, or it's been a while since you last popped in, this is your moment. All the usual fun, local history, the Tivvy Bumper, dressing up, the lot just a bit cheaper!

No need to book, just drop in. Bring ID or proof of address on the day.
Saturday 27th June, all day

18/06/2026

Baa-Bara, our Tiverton Scarecrow Trail Scarecrow, has been trying out different roles in the museum this week... with varying success.

She's certainly not one to be sheepish, even when things get a little woolly. Not everyone was fleeced with her efforts... Ewe win some, you lose some 🤷

A volunteer in the making... Or a baa-d influence?

18/06/2026

Last chance for Tots tomorrow 19th June... it's not too late to book for our animal themed toddler session.

https://museumshops.uk/product/tiverton-tots-may-2026-animals/

16/06/2026

I'll be honest, I'm not a football fan... but thankfully for those of you that are, it's not about me!

With the World Cup up and running, I thought I'd have a little delve in the archive to see if I could find any interesting historic football photos. Unsurprisingly, there were plenty to choose from. Here's a little selection I thought you might find interesting.

Crowds on Fore Street celebrating Tiverton Town Football Club winning the FA Vase in 1999.

Tivvy Town 'celebrating the retention of the Premiership title' (this is a note from the record, please don't ask me follow up questions!).

Two women's teams lining up pre match at Ladysmead, 1974.
Tiverton Town Women FC

Tiverton AFC, 1970s

A football match at Prisoner of War Working Camp 92, year unknown.

Heathcoat Juniors, 1911-12

15/06/2026

This is what Memory Bank looks like.

Our last session, Farming in Mid Devon, was a really lovely afternoon, and we think the photos speak for themselves.

If you fancy joining us next time, our June session is on Friday 19th June, 2–3.30pm, with the theme The Working Week. What did a working week look like for you? Whatever your answer, we'd love to hear it.
Open to anyone who enjoys sharing memories, including those with mild to moderate dementia. Family members and carers very welcome. Drop-in spaces available but booking ahead recommended.
£3 per person (£2.50 for members)

Book online, call 01884 256295 or email [email protected]
https://museumshops.uk/product/memory-bank-2026-may/

14/06/2026

Psst... did you know there are animals hiding all over the museum?

Lars the museum dog is the most obvious one, but he's not the only resident. And at our next Tiverton Tots session, we're going on a hunt to find them all.

Friday 19th June, 10.30am–12pm. Theme: Animals. Stories, music, messy play, and animal toys and books for little ones aged 1–4. Plus of course the museum itself to explore at your own pace.

£4 per child (£3.50 for members) - One adult free with each child

Booking essential: https://museumshops.uk/product/tiverton-tots-may-2026-animals/

12/06/2026

Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life was honoured to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester on Tuesday 9th June 2026, accompanied by HM Deputy Lieutenant Lord Ivar Mountbatten.

His Royal Highness was received by a civic party including the Chair of Devon County Council Rosie Dawson, the Chairman of Mid Devon District Council Gordon Czapiewski, the Mayor of Tiverton Cllr Sue Griggs, and MP Rachel Gilmour - Tiverton & Minehead before being welcomed by Museum Director Pippa Griffith.

The Duke toured the museum, met many of our dedicated volunteers, and heard about our learning and community programmes and future redevelopment plans.

He was also introduced to representatives of some of the wonderful people and organisations we work with, including Sir Ian Heathcoat-Amory, Involve - Voluntary Action in Mid Devon, Churches Housing Action Team - CHAT, Tiverton Civic Society, Soroptimist International Tiverton and District and Castle Grove Retirement and Nursing Home.

The visit concluded in the Transport Gallery with an introduction to the Tivvy Bumper, a fitting finale for a visitor who is patron of the Severn Valley Railway.

It was a truly special day for our staff, volunteers and community partners.

Photos: Becky Craven

Full details: https://www.tivertonmuseum.org.uk/news/2026/06/12/his-royal-highness-the-duke-of-gloucester-visits-tiverton-museum-of-mid-devon-life

Exmoor Magazine