Topsham Museum has announced its first-ever patron.

The museum has appointed Charles Courtenay, the 19th Earl of Devon, as its inaugural patron.

The Earl resides on the Powderham estate, situated on the opposite shore of the Exe Estuary from Topsham.

His family has owned the estate since 1325, and he currently runs it as an environmental heritage enterprise.

The Earl has been an active supporter of the Topsham community and its museum for many years.

He participated in the first of the modern-era Charter Day celebrations in Topsham in August 2016.

He arrived by boat from Powderham to receive a copy of the charter granted to Hugh Courtenay, one of his predecessors, in 1300.

In 2022, he delivered a lecture at Topsham Museum on 1,000 Years of the Estuary at the Cutting Edge to an audience of over 250 people at Matthews Hall.

The Earl said: "I have always been an admirer of Topsham Museum.

"It hosts a wonderful collection showing the town’s history, especially its trading and maritime roots based around the estuary.

"It also has a central role in the town today, as a focus for residents who volunteer, and a destination for visitors."

His acceptance of the patron role coincides with the museum approaching its 40th anniversary in its current form.

The museum, run entirely by volunteers, is set to undertake a new fundraising programme and re-interpretation of how it commemorates life in the town and on the estuary.

Jenny Ellis, chair of the museum trustees, said: "We are delighted that Charles Courtenay has accepted the position of patron.

"He is a widely respected and popular figure in the local community and has an active role in the House of Lords, adding weight and authority to our activities."

She continued: "As we embark on a new chapter for the museum - reshaping our collections and emphasising the stories behind Topsham and its community - we are honoured that we have such an influential local voice to lead us."

In 2023, around 200 volunteers contributed an estimated 15,000 unpaid hours to run the museum, which includes a typical merchant's house of the late 17th century.

The museum also has an outreach programme, working with schools and organisations, and a formal link with Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum.