The story of Honiton lace has a happier outcome. This beautiful hand made product has adorned the gowns and robes of Royalty, nobility and the clergy.

The local shop has many examples of this on view and a history of the lace production is available both in book form and on CD-rom.

Honiton pottery has been in existence for almost 200 years!

St Paul's Church, Honiton

The pottery is still flourishing despite the many increases in raw materials and the obvious competition from foreign imports.

This excellent handmade product is easily recognisable by its bright, bold, and vibrant colours.

There are no transfers or stencils used in the manufacture, and once the artist has completed his work the decoration is fired into a glaze at temperatures of more than 1000 degrees centigrade.

While moving ahead with the times, Honiton still has a foot in the past, and many historical events are still celebrated.

July sees the annual 'Hot pennies' day - where hot pennies are thrown to the crowds of onlookers from the windows of the town's hostelries.

The custom dates back many years to the days long gone when the wealthy of the town would 'aid' the poor.

The town crier along with the Mayor usher in the celebrations surrounding the town's annual fair.

The strange custom surrounding Honiton's 'Hot Penny' day

The strange ceremony entails a floral baton topped off with a golden glove being carried around before the assembled crowds.

The town crier announces the beginning of the annual proceedings to cries of "The glove is up, God save the Queen." Honiton fair has commenced!!!

It is said that whilst the golden glove is raised thieves and criminals are immune from prosecution.

Carnival night is in November, when truly wonderfully imaginative floats pass through the town collecting money for the many charities which rely on its support.

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