Ottery St Mary Heritage Society

20/10/2026

In The Institute, Ottery tonight, Brian Margetson is sharing stories from his compendium of Britain’s inland ferries, some of which — like Exeter’s Butts Ferry — have been offering a service for hundreds of years.

Refreshments at 7.00 pm and the talk is 7.30-8.30. Not yet a member of Ottery Heritage Society? You’re more than welcome and you can pick up a form to become one (£3 refundable donation politely requested)

15/09/2026

Last call… tonight (Tue 15) Ottery Heritage Soc, 7 for 7.30pm in The Institute.

Vision evening, members take the mic and talk about their projects and how you can join in. Plenty of opportunity to chat!

14/09/2026

IF YOU support the discovery and discussion of Ottery’s fascinating history — who doesn't? – the Ottery Heritage Society meeting is the place to be this Tuesday night (Sept 15).

https://otteryheritage.org.uk/2026/08/coming-shortly/

Usually the monthly meeting has an invited speaker giving a talk. But on this occasion, a number of society members will share an aspect of heritage research that they are passionate about, and show you how you can be a part of it. Chairman Peter Shrubsall will say a bit about the developing vision for this warm-hearted society, which has reached an exciting time as we are about to formally gain ownership of the Old Town Hall building which houses the museum. This allows us to think creatively about how we can improve it and create a more friendly space for all comers.

Refreshments are at 7pm in The Institute, Yonder Street, and after brief annual meeting formalities at 7.30pm the presentations by members will start. We'd love to see you there. If you're not a member, we might ask you to make a contribution or at least take a membership form with you.

16/06/2026

Reminder: This evening (Tue June 16) is your opportunity to join us at Ottery Heritage Society to hear John Hall, archaeological consultant to the Dean and Chapter of Exeter Cathedral talk about the ‘mini cathedral’ that Bishop Grandisson created in the mid 1300s. This is the story behind the rebuilding of Ottery St Mary church and its rich detailing. In The Institute, Yonder Street, 7pm for refreshments, talk at 7.30pm. See you there!

14/06/2026

Join us for an evening in The Institute, Yonder Street with the Ottery Heritage Society 🏛️

This Tuesday, June 16th, we are delighted to host John Allan, Archaeological Consultant to the Dean and Chapter of Exeter Cathedral.

He will be presenting on Bishop Grandisson’s 'grand design'—an ambitious project that transformed our parish church into a beautiful, miniature reflection of Exeter Cathedral, showcasing the incredible 14th-century craftsmanship of the master masons of that era.

📍 Date: Tuesday, June 16th
☕ Refreshments: 7:00 PM
🎤 Talk: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Non-members are always welcome to attend for a small donation. We hope to see you there!

19/05/2026

At The Institute tonight (Tue May 19) archaeologist Peter Marsden is talking about Roman Exeter (Isca) and Roman London (Londinium) and how our smaller provincial garrison city was laid out to much the same Roman pattern as the capital. Talk starts at 7.30pm, hosted by Ottery Heritage Society, non-members welcome for a small donation.

16/05/2026

Ottery Heritage Society invites you to a talk by archaeologist Dr Peter Marsden which explores the similarities and differences between Roman Londinium and Roman Isca (Exeter).
Although Isca was much smaller than the capital, it still had many of the classic features of a Roman city with the trading centre near the present Guild Hall.
The talk is on Tuesday evening (May 19) at 7.30pm in The Institute, Yonder Street, and you’re especially welcome if you are not a member, but we will give you a form to encourage you to become one!
[Coming Shortly - Ottery St Mary Heritage Society](https://otteryheritage.org.uk/2026/03/coming-shortly/)

The Romans established a 42-acre 'playing-card' shaped fortress at the site around AD 55, as the base for the 5,000-strong Second Augustan Legion for the next 20 years. When they moved on to Wales, local people built a new stone forum at the centre and followed Roman customs in trading there. The il...

21/04/2026

Ottery Institute, 7 for 7.30pm tonight (Tue April 21) — come and hear Stewart Raine on ‘The Golden Age of Transatlantic Steamer Crossings’. Refreshments before the talk.

Ottery St Mary Heritage Society – non-members very welcome (we request a donation).

18/04/2026

Come to The Institute this Tuesday evening (April 21) and hear about a century when transatlantic travel by steamer had made the New World much more accessible.

Come to the Institute at 7pm for a cup of tea and a chat before the talk starts at 7.30pm.

And by the way, we are asking for friends who will go on an occasional rota to come early and help with serving the drinks and helping us (trustees) setting the hall up generally. If we get plenty of offers it won’t be something that comes round too soon!

See you at The Institute – non-members very welcome for a contribution or a membership form!

03/04/2026

Reminder: Ottery Museum opening event today, Silver Street/Flexton, 2pm