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of historic documents, maps, images, books, journals and periodicals, as well as a special collection of artefacts and unpublished material.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.

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.

We are open over the Bank Holiday weekend.
20/05/2026

We are open over the Bank Holiday weekend.

17/05/2026
Can anyone identify this location/the bridge?
15/05/2026

Can anyone identify this location/the bridge?

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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