Devon Societies
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Family history societies often publish helpful journals, transcripts, compiled genealogies and host helpful websites. They may have ongoing projects to transcribe records and create indexes. Most societies publish queries in their journals and maintain lists of members’ research interests that may be helpful to you. You may want to join one of these societies, reap the benefits of their expertise and resources, or support its efforts.
Addresses of the societies are for the most part where their meetings are held as they are by-and-large not brick-and-mortar institutions.
Regional Societies
Cotswold Archaeology
Unit 53
Basepoint Business Centre
Yeoford Way
Exeter, Devon EX2 8LB UK
Telephone: 01392 826185
Email: enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Website: Cotswold Archaeology
- Welcome to Cotswold Archaeology. We offer the full range of heritage and archaeological services from our Andover, Cirencester, Exeter, and Milton Keynes offices.
The Devon & Cornwall Record Society
Email: admin@devonandcornwallrecordsociety.co.uk
Website: The Devon & Cornwall Record Society
- The Devon and Cornwall Record Society was founded in 1904 to transcribe and publish local records, and to promote local historical studies and genealogical research.
Wesley Historical Society - Cornish Methodist Historical Association
Kenwyn Vean
19 HigherTrehaverne
Truro, Cornwall TR1 3RW UK
Telephone: 01872 274759
Website: Wesley Historical Society - Cornish Methodist Historical Association
- The aims of the Society laid down in 1893 were to promote the study of the history and literature of early Methodism, research into the Wesley's, and investigation into the beginnings and development of Methodism. Area: Cornwall and adjacent areas.
Devon Societies
Archaeology Club of Eggesford
St Boniface Centre
Crediton, Devon EX17 2AH UK
Telephone: 01769 520326
Email: ace@acearch.org.uk
Website: Archaeology Club of Eggesford
- The Archaeology Club of Eggesford is based in Devon where they are committed to investigating and protecting Devon’s Archaeological heritage.
Appledore Local History Society
Odun Road
Appledore, Devon EX39 1PT UK
Telephone: 01237 476968
Email: ahs@iwasthere.org.uk
Email #2: info@appledorehs.org.uk
Website: Appledore Local History Society
- The Appledore Historical Society was formed in the Autumn of 1995 by a group of Born-and-Bred Appledorians concerned that their village had changed so much in the previous twenty years that memories of their childhood and their parents' and grandparents' would soon be forgotten. So it was decided that a group would meet each month to record memories and document the Appledore of Yesteryear.
Axminster Historical Society
The Bradshaw Room
Axminster Heritage Centre
Thomas Whitty House
Silver Street
Axminster, Devon EX13 5AH UK
Telephone: 01297 32631
Email: john@thornhayes.freeserve.co.uk
Website: Axminster Historical Society
Babbacombe and St Marychurch Local History Society
St Anne’s Hall
Babbacombe Road
Torquay, Devon TQ1 3ST UK
Email: info@babbacombelhs.org.uk
Website: Babbacombe and St Marychurch Local History Society
- Our Local History Society was started in September 2004 with the aim of furthering interest in the local history of St Marychurch and Babbacombe and to encourage participation in research to publish articles and pamphlets so that the history of the area is recorded. In conjunction with the Friends of St Anne’s Hall we are endeavoring to produce an archive of the area consisting of photos, memorabilia and recording memories from local inhabitants.
Blackawton and Strete History Group
Email: clyston@waitrose.com
Website: Blackawton and Strete History Group
- Our aims are to research, collate, and record historical information on the twin parishes of Blackawton and Strete, and to publicise activities and outcomes.
Bow and District Historical Society
Bow Village Hall
Station Rd
Bow
Crediton, Devon EX17 6HU UK
Telephone: 01363 82468
Email: nigel@browne1851.freeserve.co.uk
Website: Bow and District Historical Society
- Bow History is a charitable organisation whose purpose is to provide information to the people living in and around Bow about the archaeology, history, and present circumstances of the area. Included also in the Society’s remit is the preservation of local archaeological sites, buildings, and historical objects for the benefit of future generations. The Society also aims to assist members and non-members to trace family forebears or help persons engaged on any local historical research.
Brixham Museum and Heritage Society
Brixham Christian Community Centre
18A Fore St
Brixham, Devon TQ5 8DS UK
Telephone: 01803 856267
Email: mail@brixhamheritage.org.uk
Website: Brixham Museum and Heritage Society
Broadwoodwidger Local History Society
Broadwoodwidger Community Hub, by St Nicholas Church
Broadwoodwidger, nr Lifton, Devon PL16 0JP UK
Telephone: 01566 784772
Email: broadwoodheritage@outlook.com
Website: Broadwoodwidger Local History Society
- The Society aims to encourage and develop interest in and awareness of all aspects of the history of the Parish of Broadwoodwidger and to collect and disseminate information on such history.
Buckland Brewer History Group
Church of St. Mary and St. Benedict
Buckland Brewer
Bideford, Devon EX39 5XB UK
Website: Buckland Brewer History Group
- The aim of the Group is to inspire the community of Buckland Brewer and those with a love of Buckland Brewer, to take pride in and ownership of their history and heritage in all forms.
Chagford Local History Society
Endecott House
High Street
Chagford, Devon TQ13 8AJ UK
Telephone: 01647 433204
Email: jeda1@tiscali.co.uk
Website: Chagford Local History Society
- Chagford Local History Society aims to research, study, and arrange the storage of information and material pertaining to Chagford and the surrounding district.
Chardstock Historical Record Group
The George Inn
Chard St
Chardstock
Axminster, Devon EX13 7BX UK
Telephone: 01460 220350
Email: chrg@btinternet.com
Website: Chardstock Historical Record Group
- This site was created in 2009 by the Chardstock Historical Record Group (CHRG) and has since been expanded to cover the Parishes of Chardstock, All Saints, and Wambrook, as well as the smaller settlements of Alston, Bewley Down, Birchill, Burridge, Churchill, Cotley, Holy City, Hook, and Tytherleigh. Our primary intention is to display and transcribe research material not readily available from other sources and to use our local knowledge of place and family names to ensure a high degree of accuracy.
Chudleigh History Group
Woodway Room
Chudleigh Town Hall
Market Way
Chudleigh
Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 0HL UK
Telephone: 01626 852714
Email: chairman@chudleighhistorygroup.uk
Website: Chudleigh History Group
- The Chudleigh History Group's purpose may be summed up as "Preserving Our Parish History". We take a very active interest in any matters relating to the history, preservation, or investigation of the fabric of the community, and we constantly monitor any proposed changes or rearrangements affecting the town.
Chulmleigh & District Local History Society
Chulmleigh Pavilion
Leigh Road
Chulmleigh, Devon EX18 7JW UK
Telephone: 01769 580137
Email: handcburls@googlemail.com
Website: Chulmleigh & District Local History Society
- Our aim is to encourage enthusiasm in local history through an organised and exciting programme of events and outings, and to obtain, preserve, and develop a record of the history of this area.
Colyton Parish History Society
Colyford Memorial Hall
Swan Hill Rd
Colyford
Colyton, Devon EX24 6QJ UK
Telephone: 01297 552922
Email: cehaynes@tiscali.co.uk
Website: Colyton Parish History Society
- Founded in 1986, the Colyton Parish History Society's aim is to encourage and promote the study of local and family history.
Crediton Area History And Museum Society
The Old Town Hall
High Street
Crediton, Devon EX17 3LF UK
Telephone: 01363 773919
Email: info@creditonhistory.org.uk
Website: Crediton Area History And Museum Society
- Crediton Area History And Museum Society was founded in September 1984 by a group of enthusiastic local historians who aimed to promote interest in local history and to provide Crediton with a museum.
Dartmouth History Research Group
Baptist Church
4 Carey Rd
Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 9LT UK
Telephone: 01803 834135/01803 832810
Email: enquiries@dartmouth-history.org.uk
Website: Dartmouth History Research Group
- The Dartmouth History Research Group is a non-profit making voluntary organization dedicated to the research and recording of the history of Dartmouth and surrounding villages, and to making this research available to the general public.
Dawlish Local History Group
Manor House
Old Town St
Dawlish, Devon EX7 9AW UK
Telephone: 01626 863708
Email: secretary@dawlishhistory.org.uk
Website: Dawlish Local History Group
- We are a well-established group of Dawlish residents who share an interest in all aspects of local history. This site is one of the best places for information on the history of Dawlish – please explore it.
Devon Archaeological Society
The Guildhall
High Street
Exeter, Devon EX4 3EB UK
Email: dashonsec@devonarchaeologicalsociety.org.uk
Website: Devon Archaeological Society
- The archaeology of Devon is without equal in England: it includes the rich historic landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor and extends in time from the Palaeolithic axes of the East Devon river valleys to industrial remains from the extraction of tin and other minerals.
Devon Family History Society
Exeter
The Mint Methodist Church
Fore Street
Exeter, Devon EX4 3AT UK
Telephone: 01392 279430
North Devon
Pollyfield Centre
East-the-Water
Bideford, Devon EX39 4BL UK
Telephone: 01237 451305
Plymouth
Spurgeon Hall
Mutley Baptist Church
Plymouth, Devon PL4 6LB UK
Telephone: 01752 294891
South Devon
Kingskerswell Community Centre
1 School Rd
Kingskerswell
Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 5DJ UK
Telephone: 01626 367794/01803 328954
1, 7-9 King St
Exeter, Devon EX1 1BI UK
Email: enquiries@devonfhs.org.uk
Website: Devon Family History Society
- The Society publishes a quarterly journal, "The Devon Family Historian", and provides several index search services and a library for the use of members.
Devon History Society
Mint Methodist Centre
Fore St.
Exeter, Devon EX4 3AT UK
Website: Devon History Society
- The Society promotes the study of all aspects of Devon’s history through lectures, meetings, conferences and visits; publications such as a newsletter and a journal and the website; workshops to support research skills; affiliation for local history societies to share research and take part in DHS activities; and opportunities to take part in DHS research projects.
Exeter Local History Society
Jurys Inn
Western Way
Exeter, Devon EX1 2DB UK
Email: exeterlocalhistory@gmail.com
Website: Exeter Local History Society
- The Society exists to promote an interest in the history of Exeter.
Exmouth History & Archaeology Society
Glenorchy Church Hall
Exeter Road
Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PL UK
Telephone: 01395 260442
Website: Exmouth History & Archaeology Society
Feniton History Group
Nog Inn
Feniton
Honiton, Devon EX14 3BT UK
Telephone: 01404 850713
Email: cmgibbins9@gmail.com
Email #2: cmgibbins@tiscali.co.uk
Website: Feniton History Group
- The aim of the group is to document the village’s past.
Galmpton & Churston Local History Group
Galmpton Village Institute
Greenway Road
Galmpton
Brixham, Devon TQ5 0LT UK
Telephone: 01803 844102
Email: johnrisdon@heritage-southdevon.co.uk
Website: Galmpton & Churston Local History Group
Halberton History Group
Telephone: 01884 820325
Email: historygroup@halberton.org
Website: Halberton History Group
- A small group formed five years ago to find out more about Halberton parish which includes Ash Thomas and Brithem Bottom.
Harberton and Harbertonford History Society
The Old School Room
Church Walk
Stoke Gabriel, Devon TQ9 6SD UK
St Peters Church
Harbertonford
Totnes, Devon TQ9 7HW UK
Church House Inn
Harbertonford
Totnes, Devon TQ9 7SF UK
Telephone: 01803 864654/01803 731097
Email: lindsay145powell@btinternet.com
Website: Harberton and Harbertonford History Society
- The Harberton and Harbertonford History Society encourages the study of the local history of Harberton Parish and the surrounding County.
Hatherleigh History Society
Old Schools
Hatherleigh, Devon UK
Telephone: 01837 810478
Website: Hatherleigh History Society
- Hatherleigh History Society was founded in 1981 when the Town was celebrating one thousand years of recorded history. Its purpose is to research the Town’s history and build up a permanent archive of photographs and documents.
Hawkchurch History Society
Telephone: 01297 678458
Email: maggie.stead@googlemail.com
Website: Hawkchurch History Society
Heavitree Local History Society
St Michael & All Angels Church
Church Street
Heavitree
Exeter, Devon EX2 5EP UK
Email: enquiries@heavitreelocalhistorysociety.co.uk
Website: Heavitree Local History Society
- We are a friendly, informal group that seeks to promote an interest in local history, particularly that of the Heavitree area.
High Bickington Historical Society
High Bickington Community Centre
Little Bickington Lane
High Bickington, Devon EX37 9PN UK
Telephone: 01769 560309
Email: johnandshirleyhill@outlook.com
Website: High Bickington Historical Society
Holsworthy Local History Society
The Skills Centre
2 Victoria Hill
Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6DG UK
Telephone: 01409 281875
Email: robertjpaterson@crookedoak.co.uk
Website: Holsworthy Local History Society
Huntsham Society
Email: david-wall@lineone.net
Website: Huntsham Society
- Huntsham Society was founded in 2001 with eighteen members as a history/conservation society.
Ipplepen Local History Group
Ipplepen Village Hall
Silver Street
Ipplepen
Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 5SB UK
Website: Ipplepen Local History Group
- The aims of the group are to collect, record & preserve the histories of Ipplepen and to share it with anyone interested.
Kennerleigh & District Heritage Group
Kennerleigh Village Hall
Kennerleigh
Crediton, Devon EX17 4RS UK
Website: Kennerleigh & District Heritage Group
- The Kennerleigh & District Heritage Group covers Kennerleigh, Woolfardisworthy East, Washford Pyne, and Black Dog.
Kings Nympton History Society
Telephone: 01769 580007
Email: knhs@fhsinternet.com
Website: Kings Nympton History Society
Kingston Local History Society
Kingston Reading Room
Kingston
Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 4QE UK
Telephone: 01548 810358/01548 810819
Email: margaret.cmkelly@btinternet.com
Email #2: stanz@stanz.plus.com
Website: Kingston Local History Society
- The Aims of the Society are to research the History of the Village of Kingston and its environs, to encourage Society members and the local community to carry out their own research into their historic past, to preserve, store and have public access to Archive material in a safe, secure place in the Village, and to welcome contributions from anyone who has documents, photographs, memories or information to add to the Archive collection.
Lifton Local History Group
Tamar Room
Arundell Arms
1 Fore St
Lifton, Devon PL16 0AA UK
Telephone: 01566 784072
Email: janeanne22@btinternet.com
Website: Lifton Local History Group
Lustleigh Society
Lustleigh Village Hall
Lustleigh
Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 9TD UK
Telephone: 01647 277310
Email: lustleighsec@gmail.com
Website: Lustleigh Society
- The Lustleigh Society was formed in 1978 as a society for lectures on local history.
Lympstone History Society
Methodist Hall
Chapel Road
Lympstone
Exmouth, Devon EX8 5ER UK
Email: lympstonehistorysociety@gmail.com
Website: Lympstone History Society
- Lympstone history society holds talks, visits and exhibitions throughout the year, which are open to everyone. We also nurture a growing historical archive collection of Lympstone, including documents, paintings and photographs.
Marldon Local History Group
Marldon Village Hall
Village Rd
Marldon
Paignton, Devon TQ3 1SJ UK
Email: tonychidlow@gmail.com
Website: Marldon Local History Group
- Marldon Local History Group is dedicated to the promotion and study of the history of the Parish through the collection and preservation of archival material.
Membury History Society
Telephone: 01404 881 828
Email: jennybeaman@mac.com
Website: Membury History Society
- Membury Local History Society is a non-profit organisation specialising in the local history of the parish of Membury and the surrounding area.
Merton and Petrockstowe Heritage Group
Baxter Hall
The Village
Petrockstow
Okehampton, Devon EX20 3HJ UK
Telephone: 01837 810728
Website: Merton and Petrockstowe Heritage Group
- Merton & Petrockstowe Heritage Group hold monthly meetings with speakers. Interested in the social history of the villages and family history.
Moretonhampstead History Society
Stables Bar
The Union Inn
10 Ford Street
Moretonhampstead
Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 8LN UK
Telephone: 01647 441 083
Email: billmgs2001@hotmail.com
Website: Moretonhampstead History Society
- The Moretonhampstead Local History Society was founded in 1965 as a small research group and has, since then, been involved with all aspects of Moreton's history.
Newton Poppleford Local History Group
Newton Poppleford Village Hall
7 Station Rd
Newton Poppleford
Sidmouth, Devon EX10 0BP UK
Telephone: 01395 568848
Email: shanmerritt@btinternet.com
Website: Newton Poppleford Local History Group
- Our Local History Group was formed in 2014, with the objectives of collecting, saving, documenting and recording information about the local area.
Newton St Cyres History Group
Newton St Cyres Parish Hall
W Town Rd
Exeter, Devon EX5 5BL UK
Telephone: 01392 851337
Email: jeanwilkins1@btinternet.com
Website: Newton St Cyres History Group
- Newton St Cyres History Group is a small informal group that meets monthly (apart from a summer break) for evening lectures on local and regional topics.
North Devon Archaeological Society
Castle Centre
25 Castle Street
Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1DR UK
Email: rosemdy@hotmail.com
Email #2: nddymond@hotmail.co.uk
Website: North Devon Archaeological Society
- The Society's Aims are to promote awareness of, and interest in, archaeology and the historic environment with particular reference to northern Devon; to encourage field survey, recording, and research; to promote the preservation and interpretation of ancient monuments and antiquities in the region; and, where appropriate and necessary, to excavate to professional standards and to publish the results of research.
North Molton History Society
Old School
North Molton, Devon UK
Telephone: 01598 740060
Website: North Molton History Society
Okehampton and District Local History Society
Ockment Community Centre
North Street
Okehampton, Devon EX20 1AR UK
Telephone: 01837 840158/01837 840087
Website: Okehampton and District Local History Society
Old Plymouth Society
Spurgeon Hall
Mutley Baptist Church
Mutley Plain
Plymouth, Devon PL4 6LB UK
Telephone: 01752 227992
Website: Old Plymouth Society
- This local history society's aims are "to promote interest and research into, and the preservation of, the heritage of the City of Plymouth".
Plymouth & District Archaeological Society
Devonport Lecture Theatre
Portland Square Building
Plymouth University
Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA UK
Email: enquiries@plymarchsoc.org.uk
Website: Plymouth & District Archaeological Society
- Regional archaeology group of amateur and professional archaeologists wishing to share their enthusiasm for local archaeology and provide knowledge and support for sites in our area.
Teignbridge Archaeological Society
Kingsteignton Community Hall
Rydon Road
Kingsteignton, Devon TQ12 3LP UK
Telephone: 01626 351953/07745 364245 (Mobile)
Email: timeteign.2016@gmail.com
Website: Teignbridge Archaeological Society
- The Society's Aims and Objectives are to consult, liaise, research, and develop greater knowledge of archaeology within Teignbridge, and to improve education, facilities, and services for archaeological work within the district and the region.
Yelverton & District Local History Society
Meavy Parish Hall
Meavy
Yelverton, Devon PL20 6PJ UK
Telephone: 01822 853260
Email: lathamdandm@aol.com
Website: Yelverton & District Local History Society
Website #2: Yelverton & District Local History Society
- The Society was formed over thirty years ago, in 1982, by a group of people who believed there was a need to study the fascinating history of the villages nestling on the Yelverton side of Dartmoor, and to make an effort to record as much of that history as possible while the places existed free of development and the people remembered the past.