Custom House, Exeter

[2] The Custom House was built in 1680-81 in response to the increasing trade seen at Exeter Quay, particularly of the woollen cloth industry.Though the quay had existed since Roman times, the construction of the Exeter Ship Canal in 1564-66 led to a considerable increase in trade.Believed to be the oldest brick building to survive in Exeter, Historic England recorded that the building's "Renaissance-inspired facade and magnificent plasterwork, advanced joinery detail, early use of brick and the centralised double-depth plan are of the first importance in illustrating the arrival of a national or court style to Devon."[2] Following its closure, public access to the building was made available through the city's Red Coat Guided Tours.[4] In 2015, the former Custom House reopened as a visitor centre and tourist attraction.
Drawing of Exeter's Custom House and the Quay by Henry Courtney Selous (1830)
Custom houseExeterEnglandCoordinatesHM Customscustom housesGrade I listedHenry Courtney SelousExeter QuayExeter Ship CanalHistoric EnglandExeter City CouncilMedieval English wool tradeNational Heritage List for England