Victorian history book scoops award
A Moor than meets the eye-funded book has won a Devon History Society’s 2019 award.
In the Footsteps of the Victorians: Aspects of change in the Wrey Valley and surrounding area 1837 – 1901, written by a group of local researchers led by Peter F. Mason, won the category ‘Local History Society Book of the Year’.
The book, published in May 2018, was one element of the eponymous project In the Footsteps of the Victorians and presents research by volunteers from Dartmoor communities looking at the history of the Wrey Valley and the surrounding area on the Eastern edge of Dartmoor during the Victorian period. There is a particular focus on the social and economic changes brought about by the arrival of the railway in the 1860s.
The Devon History Society exists to promote the study of all aspects of Devon’s history and each July the panel considers all historical books about the county published during the previous year. Six authors received prestigious book awards at the society's Annual General Meeting this month and the successful authors received certificates in the category of winner or highly commended.
Moor than meets the eye Landscape Partnership (MTMTE) has helped people discover the Dartmoor Story; a landscape forged by nature and shaped by people from prehistoric times to today. It has brought people together to explore Dartmoor’s past, conserve its wildlife and archaeology, improve understanding of the landscape and share and develop the skills to look after it for generations to come.
MTMTE received funding of £1.9 million from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Organisations that form the partnership are: Dartmoor National Park Authority, Dartmoor Farmers’ Association, Dartmoor Preservation Association, Dartmoor Commoners’ Council, Devon County Council, Duchy of Cornwall, Historic England, Forestry Commission, Natural England, South West Lakes Trust, RSPB, Visit Dartmoor and the Woodland Trust.
The Moor than meets the eye Landscape Partnership area covers 280 sq km of central and south east Dartmoor. The area is one of the UK’s finest examples of a palimpsest – a landscape on which layer upon layer of human activity has left a mark. Its unique character has been shaped over millennia ensuring that people and place are intrinsically linked.
MTMTE Community Heritage Officer Emma Stockley said: “This award is fantastic recognition for the hard work and dedication that Peter and his team put into this endeavour. The book is a great example of how elements of Dartmoor's rich history can be documented and shared for years to come. MTMTE has been delighted to fund this project and offers huge congratulations to those involved - it’s very well-deserved."
The book is available to buy from The Lustleigh Archive, Bovey Tracey Heritage Trust or through Paul Rendell’s website.
Learn more about Moor than meets the eye by visiting the website or contact Community Officer Andy Bailey on 01822 890903 or email.
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