Axminster

Town in Devon, England, on the River Axe, 38 km/24 mi east of Exeter; population (2001) 3,900. Its original carpet industry, which was established in 1755, came to an end 80 years later. A new carpet factory was opened in 1937, and still produces Axminster carpets.

The town grew up at the intersection of two Roman roads, Portway and the Fosse Way. It derives its name from the River Axe and the old abbey church, or minster, which combines Norman, early Decorated, and Perpendicular Gothic architectural styles.