Awards

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 provide the title of the book and its publication details via our contact form and we will get back to you with full details of how to submit an entry for the selection process.

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.

More about the Devon History Society

Council

Find out about The Devon History Society's Council Members here.

Documents

View the Devon History Society's Trustees’ Reports & AGM Minutes.

Awards

The Devon History Society gives three annual awards, each with a prize of £200. Find out more about how to submit an entry and view past winners.

Devon Blue Plaques

In Devon there are a number of schemes operated by Civic Societies and other heritage organisations, and in Plymouth by the City Council.

Latest news

DHS Book Awards 2025

DHS Book Awards 2025

The Devon History Society is delighted to announce the winners of our 2025 prizes for new writing about Devon's history. The standard was very high this year, reflecting the variety and quality of...

Award for Renowned Devon Historian

Award for Renowned Devon Historian

  DHS were delighted to hear that Dr Julia Neville had been awarded one of two personal achievement awards given this year by the British Association of Local History (BALH).  The formal...

Festival of Devon in the 1920s – February Update

Festival of Devon in the 1920s – February Update

  The major Festival news over the last weekend has been the opening of the National Trust properties in Devon hosting 1920s related exhibitions. Four properties contribute to our picture of the...

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Join the Devon History Society today

Become a member of the Devon History Society and receive benefits exclusively for our members:

  • The Devon Historian, our annual journal
  • Free or reduced admission to talks, events and visits
  • Devon History News, our twice-yearly digital newsletter
  • Free attendance at the annual general meeting and conference/talk (October)