Ashburton Museum

In 1285 by a Charter of Edward 1st Ashburton became a Stannary Town - one of four in Devon. 

Tin Mining has played a great part in the development of the town as has the Woollen Industry.

A lovely local museum, the only one within the Dartmoor National Park, is full of well displayed exhibitions of Dartmoor artefacts, local history and geology, posters, documents and Ashburton Worthies spread over 3 floors which help bring alive the local history and of course, the everyday townsfolk. 

Not forgetting the Paul Endacott North American Indian Collection.

Ancient Traditions - Court Leet

Ashburton upholds the tradition of Court Leet developed as a means of ensuring standards such as sales of food/drink/agriculture were adhered to. Bread Weighers for verifying freshness/weight of bread sold. Ale Taster to ensure quality of ale & to check true measures used

Agriculture

There are many artefacts showing how agriculture has progressed over time. There is an interesting collection of tools from the 18th century onwards including peat cutting tools as well as these images of man and pole traps.

Fashion

On the first floor there is an interesting lace collection much of it having personal conections with Ashburton families. Mrs Barling presented the museum with a party dress worn by her as a child and the yellow silk wedding dress was worn by Mrs Barrie, of East Street.