Allhallows Museum Honiton — Attraction in East Devon

In the centre of Honiton is the building that was the chancel of All Hallows chapel and became the School Room and later the Memorial Chapel for the All Hallows Public School. It is the oldest surviving building in the Town. It now houses the Honiton Museum and shows some of the Pottery and Lace for which the town is famous.

The upstairs room of the Museum has eight cabinets with interesting items. From Honiton First and Second World War memorabilia to items about the Town Council and Mayors and others about the former school in whose former building the museum is housed.

Venture downstairs and you come to a space wholly given over to Lace. Mary Webber of the Honiton Lace Makers Guild was our insightful guide to this area.

The museum's webpage gives some insight into the lace seen on sight, but not in as much detail or as much enthusiasm as Mary Webber who spent her time explaining the lace making process and its outcome to us.

Honiton had been making lace since the 1500s when Italian lacemakers came to the town and shared the skill with the townsfolk. With the easy access of the South Devon ports from Northern France the area has lots of examples of continental influence on the culture. Once Honiton began its claim to fail was the quality and detailed workwomenship of its lace. Note - no men were involved, except in selling it, as Mary put it "Some things never change, the women do all the work and the men make all the money".

Honiton veils became incredibly popular in the 1840s when Queen Victoria wore one at her wedding to Prince Albert as well as using Honiton lace for her wedding dress.

King Edward the Seventh had a Christing Gown made of Honiton Lace which is still used by the Royal Family today. To Mark the Millennium in 2000 the Ladies of Honiton produced a Lace Christing Gown for the local Church and this is now used for a variety of babies being baptised in the Church.

Mary was one of the creators of this gown, her name, along with the others involved is recorded in the museum.

Lovers of lace can see even more examples, including some worn by Wallace Simpson and others work as Mourning clothes.

A surprisingly well provided museum that is well worth a visit, especially when Mary is there to explain...

Was very much looking forward to visiting the Honiton Lace Museum. On entering could overhear the two staff members discussing Tom Daley and his children in a homophobic manner. They also mentioned Elton John in the same way. We could still hear them babbling on when we were at the very back of the museum. Not an enjoyable experience. Like going back to the dark ages. This put us off the museum so we left without donating any money or without buying anything. We appreciate that staff have their own opinions but perhaps they should keep it to themselves when working in a...

I took our 3 children(ages 7,5 &a just 4 year old) here today. They and I absolutely loved it, the children have already asked when they can go back again! The staff couldn't have been more friendly and helpful,they made it a lot of fun and brought the museum to life! The children were also very excited to have each had a go at making the lace. A wonderful experience, thank you to all at All...