Torquay's other history

Mainstream First World history in general has been criticised for its focus on "famous white men", and English local history (anywhere, not just in Devon) has its own sets of biases of interest: famous/infamous people, notably worthy/unworthy activities, venerable objects and buildings, and so on - neglecting areas such as politics, popular culture, social unrest, the everyday lives of the 'underclasses', and modern history.

It was refreshing, then, to receive a link from the historian Dr Kevin Dixon to Torquay's other history, his historical column at The People’s Republic of South Devon, a website set up in 2005 to provide an alternative source of news and views to the traditional media.

Dr Dixon's column has been running since May 2010, and topics have included: the inspiration of folk superstars Donovan and Mac Macleod; the historic bands of The Bay; 19th century bread riots in Torbay and other Devon towns; Torquay's punk rock scene; Gilbert Vintner and wartime musical entertainment; Torquay's temperance movement; harbourside pubs; RA Records and Harry H Corbett; and "ladies of the night" in 19th century Torquay.

It's highly worth reading so far, and I'm sure it will continue to be interesting in its focus on history off the beaten track. See Torquay's other history.

Dr Dixon's name rang a bell - he's a committee member of Devon Humanists and in this connection has also written historical articles for its Darwin 200 in Devon site. A couple have a specific Devon slant: Darwin, the Reverend Taylor & Ashburton’s Richard Carlile (concerning radical agitators of the early 19th century) and Adaptation & Conflict in Early Modern Devon (a Darwinian perspective on Devon's religious history).

Addendum, upgraded from Comments:
The PRSD sent us their comment about the Torquay's other history column: "It's a pleasure to carry it. Also, because we're playing catch-up – Kevin has 100s of stories ready to go – August is going to be Torquay's other history month on the site. Please pop along".
- RG