A talk by local historian David Knapman

The talk will focus on the value of historic maps and documents when researching a feature such as a river and associated land use. It will provide detailed guidance on where to find such resources, local examples of how they can be used, and what they can tell us. It will also identify how parish boundaries (including Membury’s) changed during the 19th century, and highlight two proposals from that period for significant physical changes affecting the Yarty (only one of which was implemented).

David Knapman was brought up on a farm that spans the lower Yarty, and subsequently worked as a consultant in environmental management and assessment. On retiring he moved back to Axminster, where he is a Trustee of the Heritage Centre, and has been actively involved since the current displays were being planned. He became interested in local history via researching his own family history, and has written three books about Axminster, the first of which won the W G Hoskins Award from the Devon History Society. He is a member of the Devonshire Association History group, and is regular speaker on local history in Axminster and the surrounding area.

Cheese and Wine at 7pm, donations welcome

Talk begins at 7:30pm. Booking not required.