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 announcement was made at BALH’s AGM held on 22 May. Julia is of course well-known for her huge involvement in local history throughout Devon but it was pleasing to see a wider recognition for her work and achievements.
Speaking at the AGM, the chair of BALH, Dr Paul Dryburgh referred to a range of Julia’s past and current activities noting that she has been a major part of the Devon local history scene for many years having written, organised and lectured on many aspects of Devon’s history. Her contribution has been recognised by the University of Exeter where she is an honorary research fellow in history. Reference was made to her successful role as a community historian supporting local people to develop stories about the pasts of their communities.
Julia will be well known to members of DHS where she is a trustee and currently a leading light especially with regard to the Affiliated Societies and the successful Devon in the 1920s project. Paul Dryburgh also drew attention to Julia’s other roles such as membership of the South West Heritage Trusts Devon Remembers Heritage Project Steering Group, her leadership of a successful National Lottery Fund Project for Exeter Local History Society on War Hospitals, her co-ordination of group research on early Victorian schools and Devon Suffrage activists. Paul Dryburgh’s citation also noted more recent activities such as leading a research group at the Devon and Exeter Institution, the research co-ordination at the Poltimore Estate Research Society and committee membership of the West of England and South Wales Women’s History Network.
What is perhaps not so widely appreciated is her wide range of publications including a range of academic articles such as in “Southern History”, “Medical History”, “Women’s History Review”, “The Devon Historian”, “Studies in Church History” and the “Institute of Historical Research Conference series”. Some of her contributions have been to broader historical work such as Routledge’s, “Rural Urban Relationships in the nineteenth century”.
The AGM were also told of Julia’s superb efficiency and organisational skills – something many in Devon will be well aware of including her role in co-ordinating and producing research papers, newsletters, conferences and events. Dr Dryburgh noted finally the detailed and helpful guidance to many people and organisations all done in a self-effacing and modest way.
It was not possible for Julia to receive the Award in person but DHS intend to be able to formally present the certificate on behalf of BALH at their Trustee Meeting at Ivybridge in June.
To view the online presentation of the award click here.
Note: Scroll down the page to the ‘Outstanding Individual Contributions 2025’ video.
