Lyn & Exmoor Museum turns 60!

This month marks the 60th anniversary of our grand opening by Lord Roborough.

Many other worthies came, including Henry Williamson, author of “Tarka the Otter” It was followed by a luncheon at the Castle Hotel. Billy Butlin was not invited, although he had donated generously. Snobbery, I suspect! Lord Lytton returned his invitation saying it was a ridiculous idea to open a museum in a cottage!

The museum is housed in St Vincent’s cottage, a grade 2 listed building tucked away in the Old Village area of Lynton. It was an ordinary, rather humble dwelling for centuries until acquired by Lynton Council in 1961. It was in poor condition, and proved difficult to let (possibly because it was haunted?) so was scheduled for demolition.

A local resident, Harry Sutton, was fiercely opposed to this, and suggested it should be turned into a museum. With dogged perseverance he persuaded the council to let the cottage for a peppercorn rent. He was, at that time, Secretary to the Exmoor Society, so it seemed reasonable that the lease should be signed over to them as trustees, but with a local committee to run and manage the museum.

A bank account was opened with a donation of £40 from Billy Butlin, and £50 from the Exmoor Society. Donated exhibits poured in. Bob Nancikivel gave and installed an authentic 18th century Exmoor Kitchen. In the 13 weeks the museum was open in1962, 6,355 visitors had passed through the door. Six years later, the figure had accumulated to over 40,000.
Initially, the museum was manned by paid attendants, who were enthusiastic and welcoming. 

Twenty years ago the committee realised that funds were not covering their wages, and since then we have relied on volunteers, without which we could not have kept going. Like many other charities, recruiting volunteers has not been easy, but we are now open every day except Sunday. 

Do come and see us!