Torrington Heritage Museum

The Great Torrington Heritage Museum is temporarily closed due to the refurbishment of the Town Hall.

The Museum will continue with exhibitions and presentations while plans are drawn up for a new Heritage Centre in the Town.

Our Archivist will still have a presence in the Town and for enquiries on Family History please contact our Hon Archivist, Sue Scrutton - 01805 622391.

Torrington Heritage Museum is a small, friendly museum, housed in the Town Hall in the centre of the town. It is run entirely by volunteers and entrance is free. The museum has some fascinating exhibits and it aims to reflect the diverse history of this ancient market town.

The displays illustrate various aspects of life in previous centuries in Great Torrington. Transport is covered by the smithy, road travel, and by the two railways; the law and order section features the old town stocks; local industries and agriculture exhibits include early pottery, dairying, farming and glove making; amongst the costumes are uniforms and coronation robes.

There are also displays on some well-known people who had Torrington connections, e.g. William Keble Martin, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Fowler, the unsung hero of computing (see "Thomas Fowler Information Technology Centre"). Also on display are some magnificent portraits and a fine collection of old postcard views of the town. Many of the 17th century artefacts have been lent to Torrington 1646 but there are still several interesting items worth viewing.

For people trying to trace their family histories or doing other local research there is also a small archive that can often provide the missing link. The archive is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am -1pm, or other times by appointment.

Admission is FREE - donations most gratefully received!

Groups and school visits welcomed but please let us know in advance. Regretfully the Museum has no facilities for wheel chairs as it is housed on the first floor.

New this season are exhibits on wartime Torrington and Torrington fires, particularly the disastrous fire at Sydney House.

Open May - September inclusive, 11:00-16:00 on weekdays, 11:00-13:00 on Saturdays (closed Sundays and Bank Holidays) If you are making a special journey, however, please telephone first to check times and avoid disappointment.

Great Torrington is noted for its friendliness and the Museum is no exception. Our motto is: "If you arrive as a visitor we hope you leave as a friend." Don't wait for a rainy day - pop in and browse around our Time Capsule!

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