The Story of Greenway - historic estate of the Dart; talk by John Risdon

Thursday, 5th May 2016 @ 7pm in the DRA

Greenway on the banks of the River Dart near Galmpton is best known for being the holiday home of famed mystery author Agatha Christie and her family. Unknown to many however, is the fact the Greenway estate and those that have been associated with it since the reign of King Henry VIII, have played an integral part in the ever developing story of Britain and its relationship with the world. For example during the 16th century the estate was owned by Sir John Gilbert the coloniser of Newfoundland. The current house, listed grade II* by Historic England, was built in the 18th century and today is a popular National Trust property. In this illustrated talk John Risdon will reveal aspects of Greenway's forgotten story.

Local historian John Risdon, born and bred a man of Devon, has spent his life working with and observing contemporary men & women who have shaped the 20th century county that is the home of many of us today. John's main personal involvement has been through education and local publishing, across the South West. With his home close by Greenway he has become intimately involved in all aspects of the estate and is delighted to share his knowledge with us in this illustrated talk.

Tickets are £5 each.
The price includes refreshments available from 6.30pm when doors open.

Tickets can be booked in person at the DRA, over the phone or by email and paid for on arrival at the lecture. If tickets are paid for in advance a seat will be reserved for you near the front of the lecture room. Booking is recommended.

If you have booked a ticket for a DRA lecture and are unable to attend please let us know as soon as possible as tickets are in high demand.
For directions please visit the DRA website 

The DRA is open every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 11am to 3pm (excluding Bank Holidays); there is no need to book and entry is free. If you are visiting us please do remember to enter the site with caution and note the speed limit within the grounds is 5 miles per hour.

Other dates for your diary:
Please note, due to unforeseen circumstances the previously scheduled talk, 'In Pursuit of Liquid Gold', has been postponed until May 2017.

17th May 2016, at 2pm: Guided tour of Shilstone House and gardens with resident archaeologist Abi Gray. Tickets £15 - booking essential.

24th May 2016, 11am - 3pm: The DRA's 7th Annual Devon Picture Scanning Day. Help preserve Devon's heritage by bringing your photos of its buildings and landscapes to be scanned into our Image Bank. All items will be scanned while you wait and refreshments will be available.

2nd June 2016 at 7pm: Devon's Cob Building Tradition. An illustrated talk by architect Linda Watson. Tickets £5.

Our latest exhibition 'Modbury Memories' celebrating the unique heritage of this town and parish is open to view and entry is free.

The DRA also offers group visits to Local History Societies and other community organisations. If you would like to bring your group for a day at the archive with optional guided tour of Shilstone please contact Abi on 01548 830832.


Devon Rural Archive, Shilstone, Modbury PL21 0TW
01548 830832