Exminster

Exminster is a village situated on the southern edge of the City of Exeter on the western side of the Exeter ship canal and River Exe in the county of Devon, England. It is around 6 km (3 miles) south of the centre of Exeter, and has a population of 3,084 (census 2001). The rare Cirl Bunting can be found here. [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/articles/2006/02/21/cirl_buntings_exminster_feature.shtml BBC Devon article.] Retrieved on 18 May 2007.] Exminster Marshes, to the east of the village, are a major site for birds, especially migratory ones. [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/outdoors/walks/exminster.shtml BBC Devon article.] Retrieved on 18 May 2007]

Landmarks

On a hill overlooking the Exe estuary at the north-west side of the village is the former Devon County Asylum (a "lunatic asylum") which was designed by Charles Fowler and opened in July 1845. It featured a central administration block with six radiating arms and had a capacity of around 800 beds. The hospital closed in the mid-eighties when it was known as Exminster Hospital [ [http://www.mdx.ac.uk/WWW/STUDY/4_13_TA.htm#Devon%20County%20Asylum Index of English and Welsh Lunatic Asylums and Mental Hospitals.] Retrieved on 18 May 2007] . After years of neglect, the surrounding land was developed for housing and the grade II listed hospital was converted to apartments and town houses and is now known as Devington Park. [Citation | title =Transformation at former hospital | newspaper =Western Morning News, Plymouth. | date =27 March 2001 | url = http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_docid=0F687BF14FCA7C1F(Subscription required.)]
Exminster railway station was opened by George Hennet on behalf of the South Devon Railway in 1852. It was closed to passenger traffic on 30 March 1964 and to goods on 4 December 1967, but its distinctive building still stands next to the railway line. The signal box remained standing on the site until September 2006 but has now been removed for preservation to Broadway, Worcestershire. [ [http://www.broadwaysignalbox.org.uk/ Broadway signal box website.] Retrieved on 18 May 2007]

Economy

Exminster's amenities include a surgery, pharmacy, a village shop, a Tesco Metro, several estate agents, a golf course, a hairdressers, as well as a community facility (The Westbank) which incorporates a gym, an IT suite with web access, and daytime family and toddlers groups. Exminster also has a primary school; several parks for children including a skate park; and three pubs – The Stowey Arms, The Royal Oak and The Swan's Nest. The Topsham and Exminster Brewery, which produces Ferryman Ale, is located at a former RAF GCI (Ground Controlled Interception) radar station in the midst of the Exminster Marshes RSPB reserve.

Exminster is a popular choice for those working around the Exeter area, who prefer a village pace of life whilst remaining close to the city.Fact|date=May 2007 The Exeter Canal cycle path leads from Exminster directly into the centre of Exeter. [ [http://www.devon.gov.uk/execnet.pdf Local map of cycling route between Exminster and Exeter] ]

References

External links

* [http://exminster.net Exminster's community website]