The Devon Rural Archive

The Devon Rural Archive The Archive's focus is the buildings, farms, parishes and landscapes of Devon.

The DRA houses a unique collection of photographs, maps, architectural drawings, journals, oral history recordings, documents and books - celebrating our rich rural heritage. The DRA opened to the public in 2009 and boasts a large collection of historic documents, maps, images, books, journals and periodicals, as well as a special collection of artefacts and unpublished material. Our Research Libr

ary is also home to our family history resources and the reports of our own archaeological research, known as Project Donn. So, if you would like to study the history of individual buildings, places and settlements within Devon, there is no better place to begin your research than at the DRA. In addition, we also offer a full programme of events and exhibitions relating to Devon's history, archaeology and architecture.

We have come across this drawing in our archive, showing the front and back elevation and ground and first floor plans f...
17/06/2026

We have come across this drawing in our archive, showing the front and back elevation and ground and first floor plans for "Workman's Cottage". The only other information mentioned is "H M Wingate". If anyone knows where the cottage is located, please let us know, so we can put it in the correct parish (we are assuming it is in Devon).

Our next house tour is on 21st June and will include a guided tour of Shilstone House and the collection of works of art...
12/06/2026

Our next house tour is on 21st June and will include a guided tour of Shilstone House and the collection of works of artists. Join the tour to explore the history and craftsmanship of the extensive work that has gone into restoring the house.
To book: https://shilstonedevon.com/event/shilstone-house-picture-tour-2/

10/06/2026
Today commemorates D-Day.  We have this photo in our image bank, showing two nurses inside the Thurlestone Hotel during ...
06/06/2026

Today commemorates D-Day.

We have this photo in our image bank, showing two nurses inside the Thurlestone Hotel during WWIl, when the hotel was commandeered by the Royal Marines for use as an officer training depot.

A photo donated to our image bank, taken in Ivybridge of volunteers.  If anyone knows the date, please let us know.
04/06/2026

A photo donated to our image bank, taken in Ivybridge of volunteers. If anyone knows the date, please let us know.

Volunteers Week:We would like to thank our dedicated team of volunteers for all their hard work and commitment to the Ar...
01/06/2026

Volunteers Week:
We would like to thank our dedicated team of volunteers for all their hard work and commitment to the Archive. 🙏

A new image to our image bank, showing a view over Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island.  The beach is probably not so desert...
27/05/2026

A new image to our image bank, showing a view over Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island. The beach is probably not so deserted this week!

These postcards from our image bank show Dartmoor Prison, which opened in May 1809.
24/05/2026

These postcards from our image bank show Dartmoor Prison, which opened in May 1809.

May is Handwriting month at 'Explore Your Archive'.  This document dates back to 1669 and is in our special care section...
22/05/2026

May is Handwriting month at 'Explore Your Archive'. This document dates back to 1669 and is in our special care section. The Indenture is written in ink on parchment paper with 7 hanging seals still in tact.

Address

Shilstone
PL210TW

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10:30am - 4pm
Thursday 10:30am - 4pm
Friday 10:30am - 4pm
Saturday 10:30am - 4pm
Sunday 10:30am - 4pm

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