A celebration of what makes Honiton so special

Nub News UK recently reached a milestone going through the 2 million users mark. As one of the towns that has helped us to achieve this, we decided to write an article celebrating all things Honiton - as a way of saying thank you.

With a population of around 16,000 (Devon County Council); Honiton is a vibrant, market town with an intriguing historical backstory. The name is said to have originated from 'honey town', or 'Huna's tun' as it would have been pronounced in Saxon times.

Lacemaking is what first put Honiton on the map, introduced by Flemish immigrants from Belgium in the Elizabethan era. Queen Victoria famously wore a wedding dress made of Honiton silk. The town also became famed for its Honiton pottery, popular during the Jacobean era.

A thriving street market has sat at the heart of the town over the course of its long history, since a charter was granted in 1257. Stalls set up along the Georgian High Street on a twice-weekly basis, buzzing with an eclectic range of traders and attracting footfall from near and far.

A wide variety of independent shops, inviting cafes, stylish restaurants and vintage/boutique havens makes Honiton an attractive destination for visitors who wish to experience a flavour of East Devon.

Set on the edge of the Blackdown Hills, with Hembury Fort on the horizon and Roundball Hill to the south of the town; Honiton has a deep rural connection.

Much of the rich green tapestry of woodland and fields around the town is managed by farmers; with farming culture and the countryside being an integral part of life here.

Honiton upholds a strong sense of tradition, keeping historic events such as Charter Day and Hot Pennies alive and kicking in the 21st century.

While the town takes pride in its historical roots and honours its heritage, there is also a drive to keep pace with the modern-day era and provide for people who live here.

A sense of community within Honiton is palpable. Hundreds of volunteers work tirelessly for various youth associations, support groups and hobby hubs.

It is phenomenal what is achieved through a sense of community spirit and is fitting that two Honiton residents were included on the Queen's New Year's Honours list 2020.

We recently asked readers to describe the town in three words.

Margaret Dymond summed it up perfectly with 'Honiton Community Cares', while Justine Key captured more of the town's essence with 'eclectic, picturesque and welcoming.'

It has been an absolute honour for Honiton Nub News to establish itself as part of the town and we would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our readers.

As always, we want to hear from you so please do get in touch with your news and events.

You can simply click the black Nub It button on the News/Events pages on the Honiton Nub News website or email the editor directly: [email protected].