Revealed - the history of Exeter’s Guildhall Shopping Centre

The Guildhall Shopping Centre’s 50th anniversary is being marked by a special lecture, lifting the lid on how it became such a prominent part of Exeter.

It’s known today for its seamless integration of 30-plus contemporary shops and restaurants with the historic St Pancras Church and the Guildhall itself.

But how were these historic landmarks saved from demolition in the 1960s and 1970s? And what other history has been revealed by the research undertaken to mark the centre’s 50th birthday?

Nigel Sadler, whose Sands of Time heritage consultancy was commissioned to explore the shopping centre’s history, will discuss his fascinating findings at a lecture in Topsham’s Matthews Hall.

It’s on Tuesday August 11 at 7.30pm.

Nigel himself has a remarkable back story.  Having worked at London museums he became director of the Turks and Caicos National Museum in the Caribbean.

Returning to the UK he worked on exhibitions on the history of slavery and his most recent projects have included the Port of Plymouth gallery at the highly successful Box, recent winner of the National Museum of the Year award.

His talk on the Guildhall Shopping Centre this month is part of Topsham’s Museum’s lecture series. 

It’s on Tuesday August 11 at Topsham’s Matthews Hall. Doors open at 7pm and the lecture begins at 7.30pm. Admission is £6 on the door.