The Devon History Society makes three annual awards, each with a prize of £200.
The WG Hoskins Prize is given to the best local history book written by a non-professional author, or non-academic individuals or groups (i.e. not normally employed by a university).
The Devon Book of the Year Award is given to the best book by a professional author or historian, usually a university professor or lecturer.
The Devon Dissertation Prize is given to the best undergraduate dissertation on an aspect of Devon’s history.
We liaise with the Devon & Exeter Institution library and the history departments at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth to gather eligible books and dissertations. Works that come through these routes are automatically considered and their authors do not need to submit an entry. We are also happy to accept entries from authors anywhere in the world for all three prizes. Entries must be written in English and must focus primarily on Devon’s history. Please get in touch via our contact form for more information about how to submit an entry.
Entries must be submitted by July in the year following the year of publication. The awards are presented annually at our AGM in October for works published the previous year.
Below are the records of the winners in previous years. Please note that the award categories and criteria were updated in 2024.
Devon History Society Awards 2023
Devon History Society Awards 2022
Devon History Society Awards 2021
Devon History Society Awards 2019
Devon History Society Awards 2018
Devon History Society Awards 2017
Devon History Society Awards 2016
Devon History Society Awards 2015