Barnstaple\u2019s rich legacy as an international centre for ceramics is taking centre stage thanks to a massive funding boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And now the museum is actively seeking volunteers and donations to support the next phase of the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, in partnership with its Development Trust, has secured nearly \u00a352,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund towards the \u201cPotted History\u201d project\u2014a deep dive into decades-old excavations that promise to reshape understanding of the town\u2019s historical significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An exhibition at Barnstaple Museum is on until Saturday October 4. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lottery bid was prepared thanks to funding totalling \u00a34,000 from Devon County Council over a number of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The initiative will focus on post-excavation analysis of at least fourteen digs conducted in the 1970s and 1980s, many of which have remained untouched in museum storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among the standout finds are three 17th-century pottery kilns that once fired ceramics destined for trade with the Americas, Wales, Ireland, and Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These artefacts not only highlight Barnstaple\u2019s early global connections but also underscore its role in shaping North Devon\u2019s pottery heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n
\r\nAlison Mills, Director of the Museum, said: <\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t
\u201cThe amazing archaeological discoveries in Barnstaple have been waiting to be analysed and published for decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can now develop our plans to share Barnstaple\u2019s potted history with local people and a worldwide audience.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n\n
The first phase will see the appointment of a post-excavation archaeologist to lead a nine-month pilot alongside volunteers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together, they\u2019ll digitise and catalogue thousands of physical finds, documents, and photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Training programmes in post-excavation techniques will be developed, with a special emphasis on pottery processing. A detailed report on the Barnstaple Library site excavations is also in the works, along with a comprehensive three-year plan for future analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n
\r\n\t\r\nStuart McLeod, Director of England \u2013 London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, praised the project\u2019s scope: <\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t
\u201cThis project will uncover and share the region\u2019s rich archaeological heritage and shine a light on Barnstaple\u2019s fascinating past, offering new opportunities for learning, volunteering, and community engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n\n
The museum is actively seeking volunteers and donations to support the next phase of the project. An overview of \u201cPotted History\u201d is currently featured in the museum\u2019s exhibition Digging Deeper<\/em>, which celebrates the contributions of local archaeology volunteers. The exhibition runs until 4 October 2025 and is free to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n
\r\n\t\r\nBill Horner, Devon County Archaeologist & Historic Environment Manager said: <\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t
\u201cBarnstaple pottery, from the medieval into the post-medieval period, underpins the dating of a range of archaeological sites in Devon.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the post-medieval period, North Devon ceramics are a tangible indicator of the regional and international economic and cultural contacts of England and an emerging Britain.<\/p>\n
\u201cCeramic collections and archives held in Barnstaple are therefore crucial to the recording and telling this story.<\/p>\n
\u201cDevon County Council has been supporting excavation and research on the North Devon pottery industry since the 1980s and projects such as Potted History will make much more information accessible to the public and directly involve the local community in the archaeological post-excavation process.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n\n
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon invites anyone interested in finding out more about the project or joining the team of volunteers to get in touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Donations to support the project are welcome via the Museum website<\/a> and an overview of the Potted History project is included as part of the Museum\u2019s current exhibition, Digging Deeper: Celebrating the work of volunteers in North Devon\u2019s archaeology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The exhibition has been co-curated with the North Devon Archaeological Society (NDAS) supported by volunteers from the Exmoor Society, staff from Devon County Council, Exmoor National Park, and the North Devon Coast National Landscape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n