Exeter boasts one of just a handful of Heritage Harbours in the UK, which are places of historic maritime significance that retain original features, buildings and facilities which help connect the public to the area’s maritime past. To celebrate Exeter's national designation as a 'Heritage Harbour' the city is hosting a series of maritime events this year. The year of celebrations launches this May with a cultural festival, culminating on Sunday 28 May and featuring events for all of the family, many of them completely free. Expect live cannon firing, shanty bands and live music,...
In March this year two of Exeter’s best known heritage organisations will be collaborating to support a unique event at the Exeter Custom House. Exeter Red Coat Guides and Exeter Canal and Quay Trust will present, The Inland Haven, which will bring to life tales of Exeter’s harbour and its links to the sea.
Once Exeter’s economic powerhouse, much of the story of the city’s maritime past has been forgotten - but what a story it was! An amazing cast of ‘salty’ characters have had connections with Exeter. Famous captains and admirals; infamous mutineers and smugglers; the fabulously...
In March this year two of Exeter’s best known heritage organisations will be collaborating to support a unique event at the Exeter Custom House. Exeter Red Coat Guides and Exeter Canal and Quay Trust will present, The Inland Haven, which will bring to life tales of Exeter’s harbour and its links to the sea.
Once Exeter’s economic powerhouse, much of the story of the city’s maritime past has been forgotten - but what a story it was! An amazing cast of ‘salty’ characters have had connections with Exeter. Famous captains and admirals; infamous mutineers and smugglers; the fabulously...
Quay Words is delighted to welcome newly-announced Costa Book of the Year winner Monique Roffey to Exeter as our writer-in-residence during April. Monique’s residency will close the Quay Words Spring ‘Exploration’ season at Exeter Custom House.
Monique Roffey is an award- winning, Trinidadian born British writer of novels, essays, literary journalism and a memoir. Her most recent novel, The Mermaid of Black Conch, (Peepal Tree Press) won the Costa Book of the Year Award 2020 and was shortlisted for both the Goldsmiths Prize 2020 and the Rathbones/Folio Award 2021. Her other...
Visitors to Exeter’s Quay will have the opportunity to view a series of ultra large scale photographic prints captured with a giant cameracreated out of one of the rooms at the Custom House.
The images taken by photographer Brendan Barry, along with a camera obscura and a video explaining the processes he used, will be on display at the Custom House as part of Heritage Open Days in September.
The project is being funded by the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust as part of an overall initiative to turn the Custom House into a Literature Hub.
Businesses on Exeter’s historic Quay are reminding people that the area is still open for business despite ongoing building work being carried out. Work on the multi-million pound Flood Defence Scheme has been going on at the Quay for some time now but for the shops, restaurants, bars and attractions down by the waterside it’s still business as usual. Work isn’t due to be finished until next spring. When completed the defences will offer homes and businesses in the area protection against flooding from the River Exe. The work is being carried out by the Environment Agency and is being...
Exeter’s most interesting and unusual historical sites and buildings will once again be opening their doors to visitors for Heritage Open Days.
Taking place between today (10th) to 13 September, this popular event is a unique opportunity to visit, for free, properties that usually charge for admission or are not normally open to the public.
This year, visitors can enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring local history to life. Highlights this year include the chance to explore Exeter’s Underground Passages, Exeter Synagogue, Custom House, St Nicholas...
Exeter's famous Custom House is set to become the centre of attention once again as a visitor and interpretation centre celebrating the history of the Quay and Canal.
The landmark building, which for centuries was used to collect taxes on goods entering the city, has in recent times been not been used to its full potential or underoccupied. Exeter City Council, the owner of the building, has for some years been exploring various options for its long-term sustainable use.
Now the City Council can reveal its plans.
The Quay House Visitor Centre is to relocate from its...
Exeter's famous Custom House is set to become the centre of attention once again as a visitor and interpretation centre celebrating the history of the Quay and Canal.
The landmark building, which for centuries was used to collect taxes on goods entering the city, has in recent times been not been used to its full potential or underoccupied. Exeter City Council, the owner of the building, has for some years been exploring various options for its long-term sustainable use.
Now the City Council can reveal its plans.
The Quay House Visitor Centre is to relocate from its...
The first e-Book written specifically about Exeter for Apple's popular iPad tablet computer has been released in the iTunes Store. Entitled Historic Buildings of Exeter, it has been written by David Cornforth, who is behind the popular Exeter Memories website.
The digital book uses many features available in the iBook format, allowing the reader to swish back and forth between pages, make notes and access a glossary of specific highlighted words in the text. It has dozens of full colour photographs, that take advantage of the iPad's display. Many use the whole screen,...
