Online lectures, each starting at 14:00, free to members, £3.00 fee through Eventbrite for non-members.
Winter Series, 2022
Four diverse approaches in understanding place and the past.
29 January
Dr Todd Gray, ‘Understanding Dartmouth, Crediton and Colyton through parish rates, 1500-1650’
Taxation records survive for three distinctly different Devon communities and these reveal how each emerged in different ways out of the Reformation.
Non-members may book through: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dr-todd-gray-understanding-dartmouth-crediton-and-colyton-1500-to-1650-tickets-229263231497
5 February
Professor Stephen Rippon, ‘Exeter: A Place in Time – Roman and medieval Exeter in its hinterland’
This talk will outline the development of Exeter from its origins as a Roman legionary fortress and Roman town, through to a medieval city of flourishing fortunes. A series of plans will outline the changing layout of Exeter over time, while the use of scientific techniques has shed new light on its economy. Exeter will also be placed within its wider regional and international hinterland.
Non-members may book through: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/prof-stephen-rippon-roman-and-medieval-exeter-in-its-hinterland-tickets-229306831907
12 February
Dr Catherine Lorigan, ‘Boconnoc: it is the paradise of Cornwall’
This talk will discuss the development of the estate at Boconnoc, including the house and associated buildings. Over many centuries, it has been owned by a number of Cornish families. Their influence, both locally and nationally, will be considered.
Non-members may book through: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dr-catherine-lorigan-boconnoc-it-is-the-paradise-of-cornwall-tickets-229311134777
26 February
Dr N. W. Alcock & Dr Martin Cherry, ‘Medieval Cornish Buildings: New Discoveries’
The opportunity to apply tree-ring dating to three Cornish houses and one barn has transformed our knowledge of the county’s medieval buildings. This talk will discuss their dating, architectural evidence and social context.
Non-members may book through: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dr-n-w-alcock-dr-martin-cherry-medieval-cornwall-new-discoveries-tickets-229316159807
Spring Series, 2022:
Church fittings
12 March
Michael Swift, ‘Cornwall’s stained glass crown jewels’
A very personal selection of the best stained glass (sacred and secular) in Cornwall. The selection covers seven centuries and include some of the best in the country. Cornish windows are unique in England in the ways in which a distinctive Cornish identity is portrayed through the medium of stained glass.
Non-members may book through: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/michael-swift-cornwalls-stained-glass-crown-jewels-tickets-231793740317
26 March
Dr Jo Mattingly, ‘Rood screens and lofts in the Diocese of Exeter’
Many rood screens survived the Reformation and Georgian ‘opening-up’ of churches in Devon. Cornish examples are less complete, though more varied in style. This talk will examine form, including painting, carving, alabaster in lofts and local versus Breton craftsmen. Function and impact of screens, lofts and early organs on Perpendicular architecture will also be considered.
Non-members may book through: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dr-jo-mattingly-rood-screens-and-lofts-in-the-diocese-of-exeter-tickets-231796147517
2 April
Nigel Browne, ‘A Confounded box of whistles: church organs in Devon’
The organ is very often the largest object in a church, and in terms of replacement cost one of the most valuable. They are largely ignored by church historians, but their long and varied history epitomises the changes in liturgical, architectural and social practices over the last few centuries.
Non-members may book through: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nigel-browne-a-confounded-box-of-whistles-church-organs-in-devon-tickets-231807812407
23 April
David Cook, ‘Victorian stained glass in Devon’s churches’
For the past twelve years David has been researching the stained glass of Devon dating to between 1800 and 1939. The variety of documentary evidence has been different from what was expected, particularly in the case of the local firms. With about 4,000 windows in the date range Devon also has glass from nearly all of the national stained glass firms, with some superb examples.
Non-members may book through: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/david-cook-victorian-stained-glass-in-devons-churches-tickets-231809587717
