Introduction to the Museum

The museum collections are focused on the Great Western Railway and the social history of the town.

 

GWR Room

The working signal box takes pride of place within the GWR Room, a hands-on connection with the great days of the Great Western Railway. An audio system enables you to hear ex-GWR men talking about their lives as railwaymen. Fry-ups and tales of snowstorms await you!

Signal Box

 

 

 
The 'Sights & Sounds of Newton Abbot' Exhibition 2010

The Museum is small but has big ideas! 

‘The Sights & Sounds of Newton Abbot’

it was opened by Camilla Hampshire, Museum Manger of The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter & The Mayor of Newton Abbot

The exhibition presents fascinating snapshots of the people, places and events that together from Newton Abbot's rich history.

Pride of place is 2500 year old carved wooden, oak figure.  It was found in 1867 by clay workers from Watts, Blakes & Bearne Co.  Only six other figures are known to exist.

It has been on display at Exeter Museum, this year is the first time it has been exhibited in Newton Abbot Museum - It has come home!

Another equally fascinating object, (on loan from the Ball Clay Heritage Society) is a beautifully crafted Bronze age spear-head.  It could be 3,000 years old.

 

Kingsteignton Idol        Bronze-age Spear-head

 

These two ancient exhibits will enable visitors to understand the ancient history of the town and its environs. 

 Museum Opening       

Above - Opening of the 'Sights & Sounds' exhibition.         

Pictured L-R: Camilla Hampshire, Museum Manager of Exeter Museum (RAMM), Representative from Sibelco Clay Co, owner of the Kinsteignton Idol and Felicity Cole, Curator of Newton Abbot Museum 

Opening of the Historic boards 

Opening of the Historic boards

 

Above - Opening of the Historic Boards at St Leonards Tower, with Councillor David Howe, Mayor of Newton Abbot for 2009/10

 

 

 

Links

Newton Abbot people, supporting Local Businesses......... http://www.newtonabbotpeople.co.uk

 
Social History Gallery

The Social History Exhibition changes every year.

Sights & Sounds Exhibition

 

Sights & Sounds Exhibition

Opening of the Sights and Sounds Exhibition March 2010

Sights & Sounds Exhibition

 

 

 

2a St Pauls Road
Newton Abbot
Devon
TQ12 2HP

Tel: 01626 201121
Email: museum@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 10:00 - 16:00
Fridays 10:00 - 12:00
Saturdays 14:00 - 16:00
GWR Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 10:00 - 16:00
Fridays 10:00 - 12:00