History & Heritage of Honiton
Much of Honiton’s history is tied up with its lace making heritage. Honiton at lace at one time was the world standard in lace making, so much so that Queen Victoria chose it for her wedding dress!
Today, Honiton continues to be associated with lace and is famous for being a centre of antiques. Despite being one of the older parishes in Devon, you will find that most of the buildings in the town centre are relatively modern, largely in part due to a fire which raged in the 18th century and led to much of the centre being rebuilt.
Honiton lace
The best place to learn about Honiton’s lace making heritage is at All Hallows Museum. It’s the oldest building in Honiton and dates back to 13th century and now displays the most extensive collection of Honiton Lace in the world. The museum also features exhibits made up of artefacts that have been uncovered in the area, including the Honiton Hippo – the fossilised remains of seventeen hippos that were discovered during the construction of the town’s bypass.
Antiques in Honiton
Though Honiton historically has been associated with the lace industry, it is today best known for being Devon's antique capital. The town regularly welcomes collectors to explore the antiquities on offer. Everywhere you look in the town centre, you'll find antique shops full of everything from furniture to toys and just about everything else you can think of.
As well as All Hallows Museum, there are a number of other galleries, museums and historic sites in and around the town to explore, including several iron age forts. On the outskirts of the town is the WW2 Nissen Hut and Upottery Airfield Heritage Centre which contains unique records of the part locals played during the D Day landings and the day after.
Honiton's Canadian connection
As you might expect from being one of Devon's oldest parishes, there are a number of fascinating medieval churches to be found in and around the town. One fascinating church is Wolford Chapel, which is part of the Simcoe Estate near Honiton. It is the final resting place of John Graves Simcoe, the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada and flies the Canadian flag. In fact, it is part of the territory of Ontario, making it a Canadian church in the middle of the English countryside. The chapel is a Grade II listed building and is owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust.
Honiton's Roman heritage
It is likely that Honiton has existed since the Iron Age, though the town as we know it now began to take shape around the 1200s when the Earl of Devon laid out the town, with narrow plots laid perpendicular to the Roman road that forms its long high street. The Fosse Way, the ancient Roman Road, that linked what is now Exeter, all the way to Lincoln in the north of England. Though there has been little uncovered about the town during the Roman times, there was a small fort built just west of where Honiton's boundaries lie, which was likely used as a rest point for the Legions, as they travelled around the region.
Where does the name Honiton come from?
Honiton's name also gives an inclining of its heritage. The town is named in the Domesday Book, with the name Honetone, which is thought to come from Huna's Tun. Tun is an old English spelling of Tonne, so is likely indicating a measure of yield or volume. As there were several farmsteads around the area at the time, Huna is likely the name of the most productive agricultural area - this over time has morphed into Honiton. To this day, local produce continues to be important, with several markets taking place throughout the week for farmers and other producers around the region to showcase their products.
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Enjoy our Honiton Blog
Why Honiton is the perfect slow tourism destination
- 2 minute read
Nestled in the heart of East Devon, Honiton is a charming market town that offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Known for its rich history and unspoiled surroundings, Honiton is a hidden gem for those seeking somewhere tranquil where they can enjoy a leisurely trip.
Learn MoreHead to Honiton for festive fun at the Beehive this winter
- 1 minute read
Looking for festive fun in East Devon? Check out what’s on at the Beehive in Honiton. The Beehive, an award-winning community venue in Honiton, offers a diverse programme of events, cinema screenings and workshops all year round, with a packed programme in the lead up to Christmas. On 4 th December…
Learn MoreGreat local walks for the winter season
- 2 minute read
Honiton is a haven for those who love a walking holiday. Not only do you have the Jurassic Coast a stone’s throw away with its array of coastal walks, but there are also the Blackdown Hills and the Pebblebed Heaths on the doorstep, as well as a host of other wonderful routes, perfect for a winter…
Learn MoreWhere to see the changing seasons near Honiton
- 3 minute read
If you are a fan of autumn, there are plenty of places to see the season take hold in and around Honiton. With a host of nature reserves, woodlands and places like the East Devon Way, the Pebblebed Heath, the Blackdown Hills and nearby places to join the South West Coast Path, there is no shortage…
Learn MoreHave you heard of the Honiton Hippo?
- 4 minute read
It wasn’t just dinosaurs roaming around East Devon thousands of years ago – all manner of interesting creatures that no longer live in Britain called the Jurassic Coast and its surrounding areas home – including hippos! Yes, you read that right, hippos once lived in Britain. They lived in various…
Learn MorePlan a day out at Honiton Bottom Nature Reserve
- 2 minute read
Visiting Honiton over the summer months? The town is known as the gateway to the west and is a great spot for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in nature. While you’re here, plan a day out exploring Honiton Bottom Nature Reserve – it’s only a mile from the town centre and is perfect for walks…
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