Interpret old documents

Here's a link to a tuition guide from the Borthwick Institute at the University of York.
Many thanks to the Devon Archives and Local Studies Centre

https://www.york.ac.uk/media/borthwick/documents/publications/Reading%20the%20Past%20Sixteenth%20and%20Seventeenth%20Century%20English%20Handwriting.pdf

Starcross Drill Hall

Was there a drill hall in Starcross? Whereabouts?

19/01060/FUL – Land Rear of Old Post Office, Bonhay Road, Starcross - Dwelling with associated parking, landscaping and associated works. Planning Inspectorate Reference: 3235779

Teignbridge District Council have decided to refuse permission to build this house which would interfere with the privacy of other houses because of its close proximity to them. Although Teignbridge District Council have refused permission, there's  a further appeal to the Planning Inspectorate
The thrust of the argument will be the former existence of a Drill Hall, which would make this site brownfield and therefore it would be encouraged to build on it. The idea of unlocking brownfield sites for development is for communities to identify brownfield sites for themselves; to encourage development on them for the good of the community. Here's the link which explains the thinking 

The Department for Communities and Local Government is no more.
It has morphed into the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Governments.
here's the link to what they do  which is to support communities with the provision of housing. Could they help to determine this decision?

Meanwhile, it would be interesting to find out about this Drill Hall. Did it exist or? Was it a hut used by our Home Guard? or was it a more substantial building?
The planning appeal document talks about a map of the 1880s which shows The Assembly Rooms which later became known as The Drill Hall.
but
The Starcross building which was The Assembly Rooms is the former Newclay factory, on Courtenay Corner. Newclay Products have moved to Heathfield.

Ordnance Survey maps of Starcross are held in the Devon Rural Archive at Shilstone  They  have complete Ordnance Survey coverage for 1887 and 1905.

The Devon Archives and Local Studies Centre at Sowton can be visited by catching an Exmouth train from Starcross.

They hold documents and maps about Starcross too. 

Perhaps someone with local knowledge can help with information about The Starcross Drill Hall please?

Volunteers please: Exeter Cathedral Archives and other projects

Exeter Cathedral in 1830 from wiki

Volunteers are required to assist with various projects taking place in the Devon Heritage Centre’s Conservation Studio in Exeter.

The first is a conservation and preservation project which involves both the Devon Archives and Local Studies Service and the Exeter Cathedral Archives. 

The aim of the project is to replace the existing brown envelopes and acidic boxes in which many of the Cathedral Archives’ early deeds are stored.  Some cleaning and survey work may be involved, and people who can dedicate one day per week (preferably Tuesday) to the project will be ideal. 

The project is likely to last for several years, but any contribution which anyone is able to make will be extremely valuable.

The project will be managed by Deborah Phillips, Senior Archive Conservator for the Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, and Ellie Jones, Exeter Cathedral archivist.

There are also a number of opportunities to assist with the repackaging of photographic material which is part of the Westcountry Studies Library collection here at the Heritage Centre, as well as a wide range of other work, as summarized below.  All training and equipment will be provided.

Cleaning, packaging and surveying 

Necessary skills: Dexterity, an eye for detail and patience.

Packaging involving sewing with an over-locker

Necessary skills: Familiarity with sewing machines and simple dressmaking.

Rolled document bagging/Bags for Plans in Strongrooms

Protective bags for seals.

Document cleaning using Bassaire hoover unit, brushes & Chem sponge

Necessary skills: Manual dexterity, an eye for detail and patience.

Cleaning of new accessions

Data inputting

Necessary skills: Ability to use Microsoft Excel

Making manila dust jackets

Necessary skills: Manual dexterity, an eye for detail, clear handwriting

Packaging photographic materials

Necessary skills: Understanding of a simple machine, patience

Bookbinding and book restoration

Necessary skills:  Bookbinding experience

If you are interested, please contact Brian Carpenter at the Southwest Heritage Trust

Brian Carpenter

Community Learning Officer

Devon Archives and Local Studies Service

Devon Heritage Centre

Great Moor House

Bittern Road

Sowton

Exeter

Devon

EX2 7NL

01392 888712

07939 106549

Email: brian.carpenter@swheritage.org.uk

www.swheritage.org.uk

South West Heritage Trust is supported by Somerset and Devon County Councils

South West Heritage is a charity and a company limited by guarantee registered in England. Registered office: Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6SF. Company number: 09053532 Charity Number: 1158791 VAT Registration Number: 197221592

 

Get involved with Devon Archives

The Devon Archives at Sowton invite anyone interested to a Volunteer Celebration on Monday 16th November.
New recruits welcome!