CHULMLEIGH & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

The Society was founded in 1975 by a group of local people who had a shared interest in the area’s wealth of ancient houses.  During the winter monthly talks are arranged on a wide range of topics broadly related to local history, and during the summer monthly visits are arranged to historic houses and sites around the county.

 In 2011 the Society enjoyed a variety of outings.  In May we went on a coach outing to Kelly House, which featured on the Country House Rescue TV programme, and on the return journey we stopped at Sticklepath to see the Finch Foundry and Quaker Graveyard there.  We also visited the Burton Gallery and Museum in Bideford, and Poltimore House and village near Exeter.  Our final outing was to see behind-the-scenes at the Devon Record Office, and look at various historical documents relating to Chulmleigh.

 Members are welcomed from Chulmleigh, Morchard Bishop and other surrounding villages.  Their current interests range among landscape and industrial archaeology, traditional building construction, parish, family, house, church, transport and maritime history to Dartmoor, Exmoor and maps.

 Monthly winter talks, usually illustrated, are held on the third Thursday of each month at Chulmleigh Community College, starting at 7.30pm.  Recently these have featured: The History of Tavistock, Poltimore House, and Victorian Lace Making in Chulmleigh.

 Further talks in 2012 will be on The Grand Tour in February, The Courtenay Family of Powderham Castle in March, and Researching Local History in April.

 Annual membership is currently £5 single and £8 joint (two people sharing an address), with £2 payable at each lecture attended.  Visitors are welcome to attend at £4 per person. 

We do hope you will come and join us.

Enquiries to:

Chairman Mr Roy Gosney on 01769-520677

Secretary Mrs Sue Ellwood on 01363-877355