Introduction

Teign Valley History Group, which started in 2010, is a group aimed at discovering the social and local history of the Valley. We organise meetings with a variety of talks covering, where we can, subjects particularly on Valley life. History cannot only be studied in small areas as outside influences always impinge, so we also look at the wider picture of life in Devon and the Southwest of England. There are also a variety of visits to local areas of interest.

We encourage local and social history research in the area and can offer advice on the best way to do this.

The Teign Valley is about 10 miles west of Exeter and lies on the eastern edge of Dartmoor. It has a wealth of history largely unexplored. Farming was the mainstay of employment but the 19th Century saw large changes due to the addition of mining Lead, Silver and Iron with other side productions. The land was owned mainly by a few aristocratic landlords. Prior to that, the English Civil War swept through the Valley, no doubt, bemusing the residents who just wanted a quiet life. Even earlier, before the Dissolution of the monasteries the land was owned by a French abbey and a Priory in Christow which would have controlled life here.

All people interested in local history are invited to join

We are affiliated to Devon History Society and have close connections with the Teign Valley History Centre, a charitable trust.

We are also members of the British Association for Local History.