Old Courthouse, Axminster blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: The Old Courthouse. A house called Mallacks once stood on the site. In 1855 this was sold to the Devon Police Committee, who demolished it and had built the present building as Axminster's first Police Station. Said to be the first purpose built Police Station in Devon, the large room on the upper floor was used for the County Court and the Court of the Petty Sessions.There are two cells at the rear. A small house, now used as a cafe, was the home of the Police Sergeant and family. Two constables were housed in the main building. This building now houses the Tourist Information Office, the Town Museum, a Senior Citizens Centre and the Arts Cafe. Recorded plaque organisation: Rotary Club of Axminster.

The Old Courthouse in Axminster served as Devon's first purpose-built police station established in 1855, featuring facilities for law enforcement and local judiciary functions, including cells and courtrooms. It is historically significant for its role in early standardized policing infrastructure in the region.