A Brief History of Tiverton Museum

Tiverton Museum is an independent trust comprised of over 300 members. It is a registered charity dependent on grants, admissions and membership fees. New members are welcome.

Tiverton Museum was formed at a public meeting in the Town Hall in 1959. There was great public concern in the post-war period that many familiar everyday objects were disappearing in a period of rapid change.

The social history collections are the finest in the South West and together they form the fourth largest assemblage of historic objects in Devon. The range of items on display covers agriculture, domestic, industrial and transport, and there are also large collections of archives, photographs and local newspapers. The collection of farm waggons and carts is of national importance.

Within the Museum is a service point of the Devon Record Office where members of the public can research family and local history. It is open on Monday afternoons, Wednesdays and by appointment.

Favourite exhibits include the Bolham Roman bowl, the fine collection of local clocks, the mantraps, the waggons and, of course, the 'Tivvy Bumper', an ex G.W.R. locomotive.