Visiting during the pandemic – July Update

Visiting during the pandemic – July Update

Jul 5, 2021 | Blogs, Uncategorized

Visiting the DRA during the Covid-19 Pandemic – From July 2021  This document explains what our operating procedures mean for those planning to use the Archive for private browsing and independent study during the pandemic. It also outlines what you will need to...
Blackawton in the 1990s

Blackawton in the 1990s

Jul 2, 2021 | Blogs, Exhibitions

A selection of photographs taken by Dr Jacqueline Sarsby, a social anthropologist & photographer.  During the 1990s the pattern of farming in Devon was changing, and many of the traditional farm skills – such as hand-turning butter and making a mangold...
Shilstone: Yesterday and Today

Shilstone: Yesterday and Today

Mar 22, 2021 | Blogs

Pictures of Then and Now. During the early 19th century the Savery family, who had owned Shilstone since 1614, started to make some big changes to the site. They demolished the existing medieval house, built a new courtyard mansion in its place, and improved the farm...
Devon in the 1920s

Devon in the 1920s

Feb 12, 2021 | Blogs

Rural life 100 years ago. Some of our volunteers are currently researching rural life in Devon during the 1920s, and are looking particularly at the changes that took place on local farms in the decade after the first world war. To this end we will be using items from...
Project Donn: a recent survey

Project Donn: a recent survey

Feb 4, 2021 | Blogs

Sandwell Manor, Harberton. Benjamin Donn’s 1765 survey of Devon, produced at a scale of an inch to a mile, was the first large-scale map of any British county. Alongside towns, villages and farms, Donn marked the location of 656 “gentry seats” and thus provides us...