Honiton Town Heritage Trail of Discovery Launched at Summer Social

Members and guests gathered at Allhallows Museum on 14 July for The Arts Society Honiton's Summer Social, where they were delighted to celebrate the launch of the new Honiton Town Heritage Trail of Discovery. 

Around 50 members and guests enjoyed an afternoon exploring the museum's fascinating collections, including a demonstration of traditional Honiton lace making, the extensive lace exhibition, displays of Honiton Pottery, and even the remarkable hippopotamus remains discovered during the construction of the Honiton bypass in the 1960s. 

Honiton were pleased to welcome the Mayor of Honiton, Serena Sexton, together with Town Crier Caroline Kolek, who marked the occasion with a specially written proclamation for the launch. Honiton were also delighted to be joined by Pauline and Michael Stewart, national and local leads for The Arts Society's Heritage Trail of Discovery initiative. 

The new trail began as an idea for a walk along Honiton High Street. However, as the Society uncovered more stories and explored the streets branching from the town's centre, it became clear that Honiton's rich heritage extended far beyond the High Street alone. The result is a comprehensive town trail divided into four sections, allowing walkers to explore the routes in any order and discover the many stories that have shaped the town. 

Honiton has long held an important place in England's history. As a thriving market town on the main route between Exeter and London, it became a significant coaching stop with numerous inns serving travellers. The arrival of the railway in the 1860s transformed the town once again, marking a new chapter in its development. 

Many notable figures have passed through Honiton over the centuries, including Admiral Lord Nelson, Charles Dickens and the future Queen Victoria, who visited while still a princess. Their journeys form part of the fascinating history uncovered by the trail. 

As an Arts Society project, the trail also shines a light on the artists connected with Honiton. Visitors can discover stories of local artistic heritage while exploring the town, before visiting Allhallows Museum and the nearby Thelma Hulbert Gallery, where works by Thelma Hulbert sit alongside a changing programme of contemporary exhibitions. 

The Society hopes the Honiton Town Heritage Trail of Discovery will encourage both local residents and visitors to explore the town, uncover its remarkable history, and enjoy the rich artistic heritage that continues to make Honiton such a special place.