Discovering Green Men in the South-West
The churches of the South-West are rich in Green Men – Devon has more than any other county. You’ll find them in medieval churches on roof bosses, carved columns and bench ends; also on pulpits, misericords, tombs, stained glass windows and decorated screens. They are remarkably individual: some scowl, some leer; others look malevolent, aggressive […]
Devon Ports and Harbours
Devon is a maritime county. Geography has made it so, with navigable rivers and two long coastlines offering several superb natural anchorages, developed as ports and harbours over centuries. Fishing and maritime trade have a large part in Devon’s history. So too do shipbuilding, exploration and colonisation. Geography also placed Devon in the front line […]
Weirdest Buildings of the West Country
The West Country has more than its fair share of weird buildings. This talk explores an eclectic selection. This includes the last castle built in England and a pub constructed like a pack of cards in Devon; a chapel sprouting from the rocks and King Arthur’s Halls in Cornwall; a lighthouse on stilts and a […]
Devon’s Geology
From the saw-toothed reefs of Hartland to the chalk landslip of Hooken Undercliffs near Beer by way of bright red rocks, dramatic sea cliffs and Dartmoor’s imposing tors; Devon’s geology provides constant drama. Every geological period but the most ancient is found in Devon and knowing more about these fascinating and varied formations adds another […]
Christmas Photoquiz
This takes the same format as the other Devon Photoquizzes, but focusses on the Christmas season, its traditions and festivities, as well as the pleasures and challenges of winter photography. Illustrated with sixty photographs, many taken under the transformative magic of snow.
Devon Photoquizzes
Six quizzes to choose from. Devon Photoquiz One: Test your knowledge of the county and its history by identifying the images. Clues and competitors sheets are provided and a small prize is offered to the person with the highest score. In case of two competitors achieving the same score there is a tie breaker of […]
Devon Ghosts
This talk is an illustrated tour of some of Devon’s most haunted places and their stories, focussing on those that can be visited by (living members of) the public. Devon has many ghosts and supernatural phenomena. Haunted houses, castles and churches are spread liberally around the county. Roads and lonely places are also often associated […]
Haunted Pubs in Devon
Many believe that behind the painted veil of the present lies a richly populated supernatural world . Based on interviews with landlords, landladies and bar staff recounting their personal encounters with spirits, this talk includes twelve of Devon’s most haunted inns from around the county.
Devon Inns
This talk delves into the story behind the names of Devon’s inns. Many of Britain’s most historic buildings are inns (this certainly applies to Devon) – and many of them are also listed buildings with long and often varied histories. The 120 digital images illustrate this point and show the sign painter’s art is very […]
A Curious Look at Devon’s Churches
In most Devon communities the parish church is the oldest extant building, rich in architectural beauty and historic interest. There’s a wealth of artistic and historic treasures to discover, especially if you look carefully. The talk ranges from the splendid wrought iron door at Dartmouth to the quarter jacks at St Mary Steps in Exeter, […]