Allhallows Museum of Lace and Local Antiquities, Honiton, Devon
It’s good to find out a bit about the local area when you’re staying in Devon, so when you go to Honiton just down the road from Stonehayes Farm holiday cottages, where else to delve into the history of this lively market town than Allhallows Museum of Lace and Local Antiquities?
Why lace, we hear you ask. Well, it’s what Honiton is most famous for and so there’s quite a lot of exhibition space dedicated to it. And it’s so pretty! You have to appreciate the workmanship that’s gone into producing the intricate designs that range from the 17th to the 21st century – one square centimetre of lace could take up to five hours to make and was mostly done as a cottage industry in the home of the workers. Despite the fashion for Brussels lace, Queen Victoria chose Honiton lace for her wedding dress and the Honiton lace jabot and cuffs forms part of the ceremonial regalia worn by the Speaker of the House of Commons. Impressive.
But it’s not all about lace; the other thing town is known for is Honiton pottery, a type of earthenware that was exported all over the world up until the second World War and is still very collectable. There’s also an interesting display of war time memorabilia, fossils and toys, including a mid Victorian dolls house, all fully furnished and hard to resist playing with – but resist you must!
Open: Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm Sat 9.30am-1.00pm Closed Sundays
T: 01404 44966 All information correct at the time of writing