Model of The House That Moved

Built in the 15th century, this is a model of one of the oldest houses in Devon. Formerly known as the Merchant’s House. It is not only this building’s age that makes it interesting, but rather how it got its current name. The House that Moved originally stood at the corner of Frog Street. Today, you can find it on West Street – over 200 feet away.

In the mid-20th century, Exeter was undergoing a rebuild. The plan was to demolish Frog Street to make way for a road. In response, a petition to save the house led to Exeter City Council’s decision to move it.

In December 1961, the 21-tonne house was picked up, put on wheels and moved on iron rails. The whole feat took four and a half days.

Visual description: A model of a medieval house with a gable tiled roof. The house is made from timber frames and dark wooden beams. Its façade is white with large windows set within a carved wooden framework. The two upper stories create an overhang which extends over the ground floor. Figurines of a man and a donkey stand outside the wooden front door, beneath the overhang.