This all led to the DRA’s decision to build a ded-
icated library for their material, which members of the public could access on certain days. As a result, in 2009, the DRA moved into their beautiful, brand- new bespoke building in the grounds of Shilstone. Since then, this unique facility has continued to grow in importance and interest with an expanding collection of maps, photographs, books and more. Facilities and Activities Abi, now the DRA’s resident archeologist,
is responsible for the day-to-day business of the facility. Among other things, this includes maintaining the growing collection of library material and setting up exhibitions. There is also a dedicated team of volunteers who are always there on hand to help with queries and give support to bemused amateur historians. “Access to the Archive is free of charge”, says Abi.
“The DRA is open to the public on Mondays, Tues- days, and Thursdays, from 11am until 3pm. Access to the two exhibition rooms is also free. The small room is home to the fascinating story of Shilstone’s history and its recent renovation programme. The large room provides space for a series of temporary exhi- bitions, the current one being a history of Modbury.” Also of interest is the popular Evening Lecture
Programme, held on the first Thursday of each month. The lectures are held in the dedicated Lec- ture Room on the ground floor and attract respected academic speakers and a large and regular audience. Subjects vary enormously, with topics such as 17th Century Gardens tor Medieval Ploughlands. “Our lec- tures are always well attended”, says Abi. “The most
popular so far has been on ‘Dartmoor’s Industrial Architecture’, which was a real full house. We do ask for a small charge of £5 per person for the lectures - but that does include refreshments!” Another popular event is the Shilstone House and
Garden Tours which Abi conducts regularly through- out the summer months. “Shilstone is a private house and home that has a fascinating history which the Fenwicks would love to share with anybody wishing to learn more,” says Abi. “It dates from the first century BC and features in the Domesday Book. The formal gardens were conceived in the seven- teenth century and include a rare ‘water theatre’. Strolling around the house and grounds is a really lovely way of spending a summer afternoon - there is a lot to look at and absorb. The tour costs £15 per person – again, that includes a superb cream tea afterwards!” If you are interested in perhaps researching the
history of your house (it doesn’t necessarily need to be old), looking for evidence of old family names or maybe undertaking an architectural or historical research project, then pop along to the Devon Rural Archive and spend a fascinating afternoon discover- ing a unique and fascinating place – the past.
DRA Opening Times Monday’s, Tuesday and Thursdays. 11am – 3pm. (Excluding bank holidays. Other times by appointment only) Plenty of free parking.
Guided Tour of Shilstone Tuesday 19th April & 17th May 2016 @ 2pm Led by resident archaeologist Abi Gray
Lecture Meetings (7pm start) Thursday 7th April 2016. “The Country Houses of Devon in the 21st Century”, by Hugh Meller, Architectural Historian.
Thursday 5th May 2016: The Story of Greenway, historic estate of the Dart. An illustrated talk by John Risdon, Local Historian
Shilstone
Devon Rural Archive. Tel: 01548 830832. For enquiries and booking email
Abi Gray at
abi@dra.uk.net.
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