Fowey Museum

Things to do · Fowey

About Fowey Museum

Fowey Museum is a small local history museum beside the Town Quay in the middle of Fowey, housed in the medieval building that served as the town's original town hall and borough council chamber, one of the oldest buildings in the town. It has occupied the building since 1913, when the lord of the manor allowed it to be used for the purpose, and sits next to the Grade II listed 1787 Town Hall where the town council still meets. Displays trace Fowey's growth from a medieval port, with finds from a medieval garderobe possibly used by pilgrims sailing to Spain, the town's maritime history and the china clay trade that still fills the harbour with ships, its literary associations, and connections to the D-Day landings, to Hugh Peters in America and to Colonel John Peard, who fought alongside Garibaldi in Italy. The civic regalia is on show, with links to a Lord Mayor of London and a famous Town Crier, alongside costume, weapons, ship models, sails and photographs. A changing exhibition each year focuses on local events and people, and the volunteer team welcomes research enquiries. It is a half hour visit, best combined with the aquarium on the quay and the walk to St Catherine's Castle. Check opening dates before visiting.

Good to know

• Housed since 1913 in Fowey's medieval town hall next to the 1787 Grade II listed Town Hall on Town Quay
• Collections cover maritime history, china clay, civic regalia, costume and weapons
• Finds from a medieval garderobe possibly used by pilgrims bound for Spain
• Links to the D-Day landings, Hugh Peters and Colonel John Peard and Garibaldi
• Changing annual exhibition; curator Helen Luther; check website for opening dates