Ordinary Folk of Lynton & Lynmouth’s Past
Discover the untold stories of ordinary folk in Lynton and Lynmouth, their vibrant spirit, and their role in shaping this Victorian-era town.
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Lynton & Lynmouth are wrapped in history
Look up at the rugged steep-sided hills and they tell you of ancient times when these places were remote and the folk who lived here were fierce and unwelcoming. Hill forts guard the villages from above where the East and West Lyn rivers rush into the sea.
The windblown heaths and deep coombes are romantic places where battles were fought, outlaws lived and hardy Devon farmers grappled with nature. Thatched cottages march down the hill to Lynmouth where fishermen and smugglers garnered a dangerous harvest from the sea.
Little Switzerland in the UK
When the tourists came in the nineteenth century, led by the Romantic poets who christened the place ‘Little Switzerland’, luxurious villas and hotels were constructed, clinging to the cliffsides, and so came the wealthy, the writers and the artists who made this place famous. Stories of the past are all around you.
The Lynmouth Flood Disaster
The Lynmouth Flood is, without doubt, the most disastrous event to happen to Lynton & Lynmouth in its entire history.
This massive flood event occurred in 1952 on the night of the 15th of August, and directly impacted the village of Lynmouth, with devasting effects. It was a horrifically perfect combination of events that lead to the flood. A heavy storm laden with rainfall, combined with already saturated soil and flood debris, led to the flooding of Lynmouth and the tragic loss of 34 lives.
Lyn & Exmoor Museum
CLOSED FOR RENOVATION 2025! Explore a wealth of historic artefacts, documents and photos about life Lynton & Lynmouth through the centuries.
CLOSED 2025!
Lynmouth Flood Memorial
Discover more about the great flood disaster of 1952 and its subsequent recovery.
Free Entry*
The Glen Lyn Gorge
The Power of Water Exhibition tells the story of the 1952 flood and 1899 overland launch of the lifeboat Louisa
Historic Reading
Take a deeper dive into Lynton & Lynmouth’s rich and turbulent past. Learn about our heroes and heroines and how they helped forged our beautiful towns. Read more about the devastating flood of 1952 and the rise and fall of George Newnes.
The Valley of Rocks Hotel: The Last of the Great Hotels
Dive into 19th-century Victorian architectural grandeur through the history and transformation of the Valley of Rocks Hotel in Lynton.
Lyn & Exmoor Museum turns 60!
The Lyn and Exmoor Museum in Lynton celebrates the 60th anniversary of the grand opening by Lord Roborough.
The Lynmouth Flood
Lynmouth is surrounded by stunning natural beauty but in 1952 it also experienced the awesome destructive power of nature.
Lyn & Exmoor Museum – Annie Lord
The Lyn and Exmoor Museum recounts the tale of Annie Lord, born in 1853, and heralded as a true Lynmouth Heroine.
Lyn & Exmoor Museum – Past Coronations & Celebrations
The Lyn and Exmoor Museum explores the rich history of past coronations and celebrations, to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation.
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