Interested in the weather? Then why not visit the National Meteorological Library and Archive - right on our doorstep

Weather is a national obsession and in Exeter we are fortunate to have the National Meteorological Library and Archive on our doorstep.

Here you can view the national memory of the weather, including a wide range of fascinating instruments and artefacts.

On display is an early barometer which belonged to the founder of the UK Met Office Admiral FitzRoy and the first ever published newspaper weather forecast which appeared in The Times on 1 August 1861.

Other advances in meteorology including the use of weather ships right up to today’s aviation and satellite technology are showcased.

Sarah Pankiewicz, Library and Archive Manager, said: “As well as access to weather records, photos, books and research journals, visitors to the library will be able see a colourful timeline depicting the history of the Met Office. Our records mean you can even find out what the weather was like on the day you were born.”

Alongside these permanent exhibits, the library is also holding a series of temporary displays featuring hidden gems from the archives including prints of the Great London Frost Fair of 1684 when the River Thames froze over and a 1770 guide for farmers by John Mills entitled An Essay on the Weather.

Visiting the library is free for all and no appointment is necessary. Access to the archive office for individual research is by appointment only.