News

New to the Archive Three boxes of church guidebooks and leaflets have just been donated to the Archive, they are great resource for anyone researching their parish church or its monuments and often contain information about the history of the parish too. These will be...

Large collection of images donated to the Archive. Earlier this year we were approached by a lady looking to find a home for her late father's collection of historic documents, plans, photographs and books relating to South Devon. This impressive Archive of local...

A park for recreation.The Archive recently received a c.1928 plan for Central Park in Plymouth. At first glance, the item looks like a history book, but when fully opened you discover a A1, linen-backed plan for the city's proposed recreation area. The plan is similar...

Early 20th century farm sale details. Nearly 1000 items have been added to our collection since summer began, and we are extremely grateful to all those who have donated this material. The newest additions include local history publications, newspaper cuttings,...

A 'striking' structure on the River Avon. In August, six seaside heritage sites were granted listed status by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the advice of Historic England. One of the sites, listed Grade II, was Coronation Boathouse at...

Visiting the DRA during the Covid-19 Pandemic: what to expect at face-to-face events If you are planning to attend a face-to-face event in the Archive, the following information will provide details of how we will be minimising risks and making our venue Covid-19...

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 ongoing pandemic. It also outlines what you will need...

A selection of photographs taken by Dr Jacqueline Sarsby, a social anthropologist and 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 'cave' - were...

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...

What do Shilstone House and Blenheim Palace have in common?They have both been highly commended by the Historic Houses Restoration Award for 2020. After a delay of more than six months while judges were unable to assess entries because of Covid-19 restrictions, the...