Historic Custom House re-opens
Custom House on Exeter’s Quay area has now re-opened following a £1.1 million refurbishment.
The Grade I-listed building dates back to 1680 and is the oldest surviving purpose-built custom house in Britain. It was used by Customs and Excise until 1989.
The restoration of the ancient building took place in stages over a number of years, although the building closed for the final phase of the project in summer 2006. Work on the building included the redecoration and refurbishment of all rooms and the installation of a lift to enable disabled persons to access.
The building is famed for its highly decorative lime-plaster ceilings on the first floor, created by celebrated plasterer John Abbot from North Devon. Groups can view the plasterwork and learn a little more about the building’s history on a free 30-minute guided Red Coat tour taking in the Quay area.