Brixham Heritage Museum & History Society

The Brixham Heritage Museum & History Society is a UK charitable organisation (Charity number: 306633) dedicated to preserving, recording, and exhibiting the history and heritage of Brixham, a historic fishing port in Devon, England. Founded in 1958, the society established the museum in 1976, which is housed in the former Brixham Police Station and Sergeant's House, a building constructed in 1902.

History and Purpose

The organisation was formed with the mission to safeguard the town’s rich cultural and maritime legacy. It collects, conserves, and displays artefacts that reflect the social, economic, and industrial history of Brixham, emphasizing its long-standing connection to the fishing industry and local heritage.

Museum Exhibits and Collections

The museum offers a diverse range of displays covering periods from prehistoric times through to the 1950s. Notable exhibits include:

• Maritime Heritage: Models of Brixham trawlers, shipwrights’ tools, fishing gear, and navigation equipment highlight the town’s fishing industry prominence.
• Brixham Caverns and Ice Age Discoveries: Archaeological finds such as ice age animal bones, prehistoric pottery, and tools recovered from local cave sites.
• Military Artefacts: Items excavated from Napoleonic-era forts at Berry Head, including shako plates and over 600 regimental buttons.
• World War Memorabilia: Collections of World War I and II uniforms and artefacts, including the WW2 Airman's mascot known as "Radar Rat," dressed in a Women's Auxiliary Air Force uniform.
• Local Historical Reconstructions: A Victorian parlour and nursery are recreated, alongside a working model of the Brixham Branch Railway Line and displays about the Landing of William of Orange in 1688 and Brixham’s role in the World Wars.

Facilities and Accessibility

The museum is committed to accessibility, featuring ramps and disabled toilet facilities. It welcomes guide dogs and well-behaved pets, making it a welcoming venue for all visitors.

Location and Recognition

The museum is located in the historic old police station building in Brixham. It is recognised as a key site within the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, reflecting its importance to the cultural and natural heritage of the area.

Public Engagement

The society regularly hosts meetings and events to engage the local community and visitors with Brixham’s history. Its exhibitions serve an educational role while also providing an intriguing experience for families and history enthusiasts alike.

The Brixham Heritage Museum & History Society stands as a custodian of Brixham’s past, providing insight into the town’s unique maritime, archaeological, and military history through its carefully curated collections and exhibitions.

[1] https://www.brixhammuseum.uk [2] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g551630-d2290477-Reviews-Brixham_Heritage_Museum-Brixham_English_Riviera_Devon_England.html [3] https://www.devonmuseums.net/Brixham-Heritage-Museum/Devon-Museums/ [4] https://www.devonhistorysociety.org.uk/local-groups/brixham-museum-heritage-society/ [5] https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/things-to-do/brixham-heritage-museum-p1292273