Heritage Open Days are England’s largest festival of history and culture. Every September venues across England open their doors to celebrate the country’s fantastic history and culture. The South West Heritage Trust has a variety of free events taking place in Devon and Somerset exploring this year’s theme of Astounding Inventions.
Devon Heritage Centre
Visitors to Devon Heritage Centre in Exeter can book a behind-the-scenes tour to see the strongrooms and documents from the collections which date from the 11th century to present day. A display in the searchroom will explore the theme of Inventions. Amongst the documents and books on display will be designs for a prototype submarine and items which illustrate the evolution of printing, lithography and engraving. Visitors will also be able to view documents relating to the machines that helped John Heathcoat of Tiverton to develop the mechanised lace making industry.
Event dates and venue
Display and Tours at Devon Heritage Centre, Exeter EX2 7NL – 9 September. Booking required for behind-the-scenes tours at 10.30 am and 2.00 pm. Free.
Somerset Heritage Centre
At the Somerset Heritage Centre in Taunton visitors can see a display of archival documents exploring the Astounding Inventions theme including documents relating to Andrew Crosse’s electrical experiments of the early 19th century, photographs of the Dynasphere monowheel vehicle invented by John Archibald Purves of Taunton in the 1930s and documents concerning John Stringfellow’s early aeroplane prototypes. Behind-the-scenes tours of the archive strongrooms are also being offered where visitors can see how collections are cared for and witness the inventions which help the archive team every day.
Event dates and venue
Display and Tours at Somerset Heritage Centre, Taunton TA2 6SF – 16 September. Booking required for behind-the-scenes tours at 10.00 am and 11.30 am. Free.
Somerset Brick and Tile Museum
At Somerset Brick and Tile Museum in Bridgwater visitors are invited to join a tour of the museum and see a tile-making demonstration. There will be an opportunity to learn about the last traditional brick kiln in Somerset and how Bridgwater’s brick and tile making industry shaped the town. Following the tour there will be a demonstration of hand making a roof tile.
Event dates and venue
Tour and Tile Making Demonstration at Somerset Brick and Tile Museum, Bridgwater TA6 4DB – 10 September at 10.30 am. Booking required. Free