The Merchant’s House at 25 Strand, which currently accommodates Topsham Museum, was gifted to Exeter City Council (ECC) by Miss Dorothy Holman upon her death in 1983.
ECC leased the building to Topsham Museum for 40 years in accordance with the will and memorandum of wishes of Miss Holman.
In 2026 ECC applied to the High Court to determine the status of the gift in the will.
The council is seeking clarification from the Court as to how it holds the property, to assist it in deciding whether the bequest under the will is designated a gift or a trust.
This in turn will help it decide on future plans for the building which is currently closed for extensive renovation.
The High Court hearing took place on 18 June 2026 and a determination will be issued in due course.