Archway Bookshop blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: Archway Bookshop. Probably built in the 13th. Century, this building, although it's original purpose is uncertain, was open on the ground floor to allow the passage of carts. A stone stairway to the left-hand side of the door, possibly used as a hayloft or accommodation for the carters. During the 1700's it was converted to a private house, Church Cottage. In the 1960's it was used by a dental technician, becoming a bookshop in 1966. The arch forming the doorway is probably a window brought from Newenham Abbey, which was located south of the town and founded in 1246. It was surrendered to the commissioners of Henry VIII in 1539 and was demolished almost immediately. Stone from the Abbey has been used in many local buildings. Recorded plaque organisation: Rotary Club of Axminster.

Archway Bookshop is housed in a building with origins dating back to the 13th century, originally featuring an open ground floor for cart passage; it later served as Church Cottage and a dental technician's office before becoming a bookshop in 1966. The arch at its doorway likely came from Newenham Abbey, dissolved during Henry VIII’s reign in 1539.