Bishopsteignton Museum of Rural Life in Devon, which is staffed by volunteers and has a turnover of just £400 a year, has been left nearly £1.5m by a reclusive spinster who lived in the village.
Molly Coombe, who had previously donated her father's war medals and memorabilia to the museum, had told staff that she would be leaving the museum some money, although the amount came as a "big surprise".
Sheila Robbins, a member of the committee that runs the museum, said Coombe had been a recluse who had lived in Bishopsteignton all her life.
The committee has yet to decide how to spend the money, although chairman Roger Avery said he would like to see the museum becoming a focus for local history studies in south Devon, and the creation of an education trust to benefit schools.
Coombe also requested that the museum be moved into her four bedroom home in the village, if possible, but Avery said the committee would be more likely to favour larger premises.
Patrick Steel
Molly Coombe, who had previously donated her father's war medals and memorabilia to the museum, had told staff that she would be leaving the museum some money, although the amount came as a "big surprise".
Sheila Robbins, a member of the committee that runs the museum, said Coombe had been a recluse who had lived in Bishopsteignton all her life.
The committee has yet to decide how to spend the money, although chairman Roger Avery said he would like to see the museum becoming a focus for local history studies in south Devon, and the creation of an education trust to benefit schools.
Coombe also requested that the museum be moved into her four bedroom home in the village, if possible, but Avery said the committee would be more likely to favour larger premises.
Patrick Steel
