Devon Societies

Family history societies often publish helpful journals, transcripts, compiled genealogies and host helpful websites. They may have ongoing projects to transcribe records and create indexes. Most societies publish queries in their journals and maintain lists of members’ research interests that may be helpful to you. You may want to join one of these societies, reap the benefits of their expertise and resources, or support its efforts.

Addresses of the societies are for the most part where their meetings are held as they are by-and-large not brick-and-mortar institutions.

Regional Societies
Cotswold Archaeology Unit 53 Basepoint Business Centre Yeoford Way Exeter, Devon EX2 8LB UK Telephone: 01392 826185 Email: [mailto:enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk] Website: Cotswold Archaeology


 * Welcome to Cotswold Archaeology. We offer the full range of heritage and archaeological services from our Andover, Cirencester, Exeter, and Milton Keynes offices.

The Devon & Cornwall Record Society Email: [mailto:admin@devonandcornwallrecordsociety.co.uk admin@devonandcornwallrecordsociety.co.uk] Website: The Devon & Cornwall Record Society


 * The Devon and Cornwall Record Society was founded in 1904 to transcribe and publish local records, and to promote local historical studies and genealogical research.

Wesley Historical Society - Cornish Methodist Historical Association Kenwyn Vean 19 HigherTrehaverne Truro, Cornwall TR1 3RW UK Telephone: 01872 274759 Website: Wesley Historical Society - Cornish Methodist Historical Association


 * The aims of the Society laid down in 1893 were to promote the study of the history and literature of early Methodism, research into the Wesley's, and investigation into the beginnings and development of Methodism. Area: Cornwall and adjacent areas.

Devon Societies
Archaeology Club of Eggesford St Boniface Centre Crediton, Devon EX17 2AH UK Telephone: 01769 520326 Email: [mailto:ace@acearch.org.uk ace@acearch.org.uk] Website: Archaeology Club of Eggesford


 * The Archaeology Club of Eggesford is based in Devon where they are committed to investigating and protecting Devon’s Archaeological heritage.

Appledore Local History Society Odun Road Appledore, Devon EX39 1PT UK Telephone: 01237 476968 Email: [mailto:ahs@iwasthere.org.uk ahs@iwasthere.org.uk] Email #2: [mailto:info@appledorehs.org.uk info@appledorehs.org.uk] Website: Appledore Local History Society


 * The Appledore Historical Society was formed in the Autumn of 1995 by a group of Born-and-Bred Appledorians concerned that their village had changed so much in the previous twenty years that memories of their childhood and their parents' and grandparents' would soon be forgotten. So it was decided that a group would meet each month to record memories and document the Appledore of Yesteryear.

Axminster Historical Society The Bradshaw Room Axminster Heritage Centre Thomas Whitty House Silver Street Axminster, Devon EX13 5AH UK Telephone: 01297 32631 Email: [mailto:john@thornhayes.freeserve.co.uk john@thornhayes.freeserve.co.uk] Website: Axminster Historical Society

Babbacombe and St Marychurch Local History Society St Anne’s Hall Babbacombe Road Torquay, Devon TQ1 3ST UK Email: [mailto:info@babbacombelhs.org.uk info@babbacombelhs.org.uk] Website: Babbacombe and St Marychurch Local History Society


 * Our Local History Society was started in September 2004 with the aim of furthering interest in the local history of St Marychurch and Babbacombe and to encourage participation in research to publish articles and pamphlets so that the history of the area is recorded. In conjunction with the Friends of St Anne’s Hall we are endeavoring to produce an archive of the area consisting of photos, memorabilia and recording memories from local inhabitants.

Blackawton and Strete History Group Email: [mailto:clyston@waitrose.com clyston@waitrose.com] Website: Blackawton and Strete History Group


 * Our aims are to research, collate, and record historical information on the twin parishes of Blackawton and Strete, and to publicise activities and outcomes.

Bow and District Historical Society Bow Village Hall Station Rd Bow Crediton, Devon EX17 6HU UK Telephone: 01363 82468 Email: [mailto:nigel@browne1851.freeserve.co.uk nigel@browne1851.freeserve.co.uk] Website: Bow and District Historical Society


 * Bow History is a charitable organisation whose purpose is to provide information to the people living in and around Bow about the archaeology, history, and present circumstances of the area. Included also in the Society’s remit is the preservation of local archaeological sites, buildings, and historical objects for the benefit of future generations.  The Society also aims to assist members and non-members to trace family forebears or help persons engaged on any local historical research.

Brixham Museum and Heritage Society Brixham Christian Community Centre 18A Fore St Brixham, Devon TQ5 8DS UK Telephone: 01803 856267 Email: [mailto:mail@brixhamheritage.org.uk mail@brixhamheritage.org.uk] Website: Brixham Museum and Heritage Society

Broadwoodwidger Local History Society Broadwoodwidger Community Hub, by St Nicholas Church Broadwoodwidger, nr Lifton, Devon PL16 0JP UK Telephone: 01566 784772 Email: [mailto:broadwoodheritage@outlook.com broadwoodheritage@outlook.com] Website: Broadwoodwidger Local History Society


 * The Society aims to encourage and develop interest in and awareness of all aspects of the history of the Parish of Broadwoodwidger and to collect and disseminate information on such history.

 Buckland Brewer History Group Church of St. Mary and St. Benedict Buckland Brewer Bideford, Devon EX39 5XB UK Website: Buckland Brewer History Group


 * The aim of the Group is to inspire the community of Buckland Brewer and those with a love of Buckland Brewer, to take pride in and ownership of their history and heritage in all forms.

Chagford Local History Society Endecott House High Street Chagford, Devon TQ13 8AJ UK Telephone: 01647 433204 Email: [mailto:jeda1@tiscali.co.uk jeda1@tiscali.co.uk] Website: Chagford Local History Society


 * Chagford Local History Society aims to research, study, and arrange the storage of information and material pertaining to Chagford and the surrounding district.

Chardstock Historical Record Group The George Inn Chard St Chardstock Axminster, Devon EX13 7BX UK Telephone: 01460 220350 Email: [mailto:chrg@btinternet.com chrg@btinternet.com] Website: Chardstock Historical Record Group


 * This site was created in 2009 by the Chardstock Historical Record Group (CHRG) and has since been expanded to cover the Parishes of Chardstock, All Saints, and Wambrook, as well as the smaller settlements of Alston, Bewley Down, Birchill, Burridge, Churchill, Cotley, Holy City, Hook, and Tytherleigh. Our primary intention is to display and transcribe research material not readily available from other sources and to use our local knowledge of place and family names to ensure a high degree of accuracy.

Chudleigh History Group Woodway Room Chudleigh Town Hall Market Way Chudleigh Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 0HL UK Telephone: 01626 852714 Email: [mailto:chairman@chudleighhistorygroup.uk chairman@chudleighhistorygroup.uk] Website: Chudleigh History Group


 * The Chudleigh History Group's purpose may be summed up as "Preserving Our Parish History". We take a very active interest in any matters relating to the history, preservation, or investigation of the fabric of the community, and we constantly monitor any proposed changes or rearrangements affecting the town.

Chulmleigh & District Local History Society Chulmleigh Pavilion Leigh Road Chulmleigh, Devon EX18 7JW UK Telephone: 01769 580137 Email: [mailto:handcburls@googlemail.com handcburls@googlemail.com] Website: Chulmleigh & District Local History Society


 * Our aim is to encourage enthusiasm in local history through an organised and exciting programme of events and outings, and to obtain, preserve, and develop a record of the history of this area.

Colyton Parish History Society Colyford Memorial Hall Swan Hill Rd Colyford Colyton, Devon EX24 6QJ UK Telephone: 01297 552922 Email: [mailto:cehaynes@tiscali.co.uk cehaynes@tiscali.co.uk] Website: Colyton Parish History Society


 * Founded in 1986, the Colyton Parish History Society's aim is to encourage and promote the study of local and family history.

Crediton Area History And Museum Society The Old Town Hall High Street Crediton, Devon EX17 3LF UK Telephone: 01363 773919 Email: [mailto:info@creditonhistory.org.uk info@creditonhistory.org.uk] Website: Crediton Area History And Museum Society


 * Crediton Area History And Museum Society was founded in September 1984 by a group of enthusiastic local historians who aimed to promote interest in local history and to provide Crediton with a museum.

Dartmouth History Research Group Baptist Church 4 Carey Rd Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 9LT UK Telephone: 01803 834135/01803 832810 Email: [mailto:enquiries@dartmouth-history.org.uk enquiries@dartmouth-history.org.uk] Website: Dartmouth History Research Group


 * The Dartmouth History Research Group is a non-profit making voluntary organization dedicated to the research and recording of the history of Dartmouth and surrounding villages, and to making this research available to the general public.

Dawlish Local History Group Manor House Old Town St Dawlish, Devon EX7 9AW UK Telephone: 01626 863708 Email: [mailto:secretary@dawlishhistory.org.uk secretary@dawlishhistory.org.uk] Website: Dawlish Local History Group


 * We are a well-established group of Dawlish residents who share an interest in all aspects of local history. This site is one of the best places for information on the history of Dawlish – please explore it.

Devon Archaeological Society The Guildhall High Street Exeter, Devon EX4 3EB UK Email: [mailto:dashonsec@devonarchaeologicalsociety.org.uk dashonsec@devonarchaeologicalsociety.org.uk] Website: Devon Archaeological Society


 * The archaeology of Devon is without equal in England: it includes the rich historic landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor and extends in time from the Palaeolithic axes of the East Devon river valleys to industrial remains from the extraction of tin and other minerals.

Devon Family History Society Exeter The Mint Methodist Church Fore Street Exeter, Devon EX4 3AT UK Telephone: 01392 279430

North Devon Pollyfield Centre East-the-Water Bideford, Devon EX39 4BL UK Telephone: 01237 451305

Plymouth Spurgeon Hall Mutley Baptist Church Plymouth, Devon PL4 6LB UK Telephone: 01752 294891

South Devon Kingskerswell Community Centre 1 School Rd Kingskerswell Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 5DJ UK Telephone: 01626 367794/01803 328954

1, 7-9 King St Exeter, Devon EX1 1BI UK Email: [mailto:enquiries@devonfhs.org.uk enquiries@devonfhs.org.uk] Website: Devon Family History Society


 * The Society publishes a quarterly journal, "The Devon Family Historian", and provides several index search services and a library for the use of members.

Devon History Society Mint Methodist Centre Fore St. Exeter, Devon EX4 3AT UK Website: Devon History Society


 * The Society promotes the study of all aspects of Devon’s history through lectures, meetings, conferences and visits; publications such as a newsletter and a journal and the website; workshops to support research skills; affiliation for local history societies to share research and take part in DHS activities; and opportunities to take part in DHS research projects.

Exeter Local History Society Jurys Inn Western Way Exeter, Devon EX1 2DB UK Email: [mailto:exeterlocalhistory@gmail.com exeterlocalhistory@gmail.com] Website: Exeter Local History Society


 * The Society exists to promote an interest in the history of Exeter.

Exmouth History & Archaeology Society Glenorchy Church Hall Exeter Road Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PL UK Telephone: 01395 260442 Website: Exmouth History & Archaeology Society

Feniton History Group Nog Inn Feniton Honiton, Devon EX14 3BT UK Telephone: 01404 850713 Email: [mailto:cmgibbins9@gmail.com cmgibbins9@gmail.com] Email #2: [mailto:cmgibbins@tiscali.co.uk cmgibbins@tiscali.co.uk] Website: Feniton History Group


 * The aim of the group is to document the village’s past.

Galmpton & Churston Local History Group Galmpton Village Institute Greenway Road Galmpton Brixham, Devon TQ5 0LT UK Telephone: 01803 844102 Email: [mailto:johnrisdon@heritage-southdevon.co.uk johnrisdon@heritage-southdevon.co.uk] Website: Galmpton & Churston Local History Group

Halberton History Group Telephone: 01884 820325 Email: [mailto:historygroup@halberton.org historygroup@halberton.org] Website: Halberton History Group


 * A small group formed five years ago to find out more about Halberton parish which includes Ash Thomas and Brithem Bottom.

Harberton and Harbertonford History Society The Old School Room Church Walk Stoke Gabriel, Devon TQ9 6SD UK St Peters Church Harbertonford Totnes, Devon TQ9 7HW UK Church House Inn Harbertonford Totnes, Devon TQ9 7SF UK Telephone: 01803 864654/01803 731097 Email: [mailto:lindsay145powell@btinternet.com lindsay145powell@btinternet.com] Website: Harberton and Harbertonford History Society


 * The Harberton and Harbertonford History Society encourages the study of the local history of Harberton Parish and the surrounding County.

Hatherleigh History Society Old Schools Hatherleigh, Devon UK Telephone: 01837 810478 Website: Hatherleigh History Society


 * Hatherleigh History Society was founded in 1981 when the Town was celebrating one thousand years of recorded history. Its purpose is to research the Town’s history and build up a permanent archive of photographs and documents.

Hawkchurch History Society Telephone: 01297 678458 Email: [mailto:maggie.stead@googlemail.com maggie.stead@googlemail.com] Website: Hawkchurch History Society

Heavitree Local History Society St Michael & All Angels Church Church Street Heavitree Exeter, Devon EX2 5EP UK Email: [mailto:enquiries@heavitreelocalhistorysociety.co.uk enquiries@heavitreelocalhistorysociety.co.uk] Website: Heavitree Local History Society


 * We are a friendly, informal group that seeks to promote an interest in local history, particularly that of the Heavitree area.

High Bickington Historical Society High Bickington Community Centre Little Bickington Lane High Bickington, Devon EX37 9PN UK Telephone: 01769 560309 Email: [mailto:johnandshirleyhill@outlook.com johnandshirleyhill@outlook.com] Website: High Bickington Historical Society

Holsworthy Local History Society The Skills Centre 2 Victoria Hill Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6DG UK Telephone: 01409 281875 Email: [mailto:robertjpaterson@crookedoak.co.uk robertjpaterson@crookedoak.co.uk] Website: Holsworthy Local History Society

Huntsham Society Email: [mailto:david-wall@lineone.net david-wall@lineone.net] Website: Huntsham Society


 * Huntsham Society was founded in 2001 with eighteen members as a history/conservation society.

Ipplepen Local History Group Ipplepen Village Hall Silver Street Ipplepen Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 5SB UK Website: Ipplepen Local History Group


 * The aims of the group are to collect, record & preserve the histories of Ipplepen and to share it with anyone interested.

Kennerleigh & District Heritage Group Kennerleigh Village Hall Kennerleigh Crediton, Devon EX17 4RS UK Website: Kennerleigh & District Heritage Group


 * The Kennerleigh & District Heritage Group covers Kennerleigh, Woolfardisworthy East, Washford Pyne, and Black Dog.

Kings Nympton History Society Telephone: 01769 580007 Email: [mailto:knhs@fhsinternet.com knhs@fhsinternet.com] Website: Kings Nympton History Society

Kingston Local History Society Kingston Reading Room Kingston Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 4QE UK Telephone: 01548 810358/01548 810819 Email: [mailto:margaret.cmkelly@btinternet.com margaret.cmkelly@btinternet.com] Email #2: [mailto:stanz@stanz.plus.com stanz@stanz.plus.com] Website: Kingston Local History Society


 * The Aims of the Society are to research the History of the Village of Kingston and its environs, to encourage Society members and the local community to carry out their own research into their historic past, to preserve, store and have public access to Archive material in a safe, secure place in the Village, and to welcome contributions from anyone who has documents, photographs, memories or information to add to the Archive collection.

Lifton Local History Group Tamar Room Arundell Arms 1 Fore St Lifton, Devon PL16 0AA UK Telephone: 01566 784072 Email: [mailto:janeanne22@btinternet.com janeanne22@btinternet.com] Website: Lifton Local History Group

Lustleigh Society Lustleigh Village Hall Lustleigh Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 9TD UK Telephone: 01647 277310 Email: [mailto:lustleighsec@gmail.com lustleighsec@gmail.com] Website: Lustleigh Society


 * The Lustleigh Society was formed in 1978 as a society for lectures on local history.

Lympstone History Society Methodist Hall Chapel Road Lympstone Exmouth, Devon EX8 5ER UK Email: [mailto:lympstonehistorysociety@gmail.com lympstonehistorysociety@gmail.com] Website: Lympstone History Society


 * Lympstone history society holds talks, visits and exhibitions throughout the year, which are open to everyone. We also nurture a growing historical archive collection of Lympstone, including documents, paintings and photographs.

Marldon Local History Group Marldon Village Hall Village Rd Marldon Paignton, Devon TQ3 1SJ UK Email: [mailto:tonychidlow@gmail.com tonychidlow@gmail.com] Website: Marldon Local History Group


 * Marldon Local History Group is dedicated to the promotion and study of the history of the Parish through the collection and preservation of archival material.

Membury History Society Telephone: 01404 881 828 Email: [mailto:jennybeaman@mac.com jennybeaman@mac.com] Website: Membury History Society


 * Membury Local History Society is a non-profit organisation specialising in the local history of the parish of Membury and the surrounding area.

Merton and Petrockstowe Heritage Group Baxter Hall The Village Petrockstow Okehampton, Devon EX20 3HJ UK Telephone: 01837 810728 Website: Merton and Petrockstowe Heritage Group


 * Merton & Petrockstowe Heritage Group hold monthly meetings with speakers. Interested in the social history of the villages and family history.

Moretonhampstead History Society Stables Bar The Union Inn 10 Ford Street Moretonhampstead Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 8LN UK Telephone: 01647 441 083 Email: [mailto:billmgs2001@hotmail.com billmgs2001@hotmail.com] Website: Moretonhampstead History Society


 * The Moretonhampstead Local History Society was founded in 1965 as a small research group and has, since then, been involved with all aspects of Moreton's history.

Newton Poppleford Local History Group Newton Poppleford Village Hall 7 Station Rd Newton Poppleford Sidmouth, Devon EX10 0BP UK Telephone: 01395 568848 Email: [mailto:shanmerritt@btinternet.com shanmerritt@btinternet.com] Website: Newton Poppleford Local History Group


 * Our Local History Group was formed in 2014, with the objectives of collecting, saving, documenting and recording information about the local area.

Newton St Cyres History Group Newton St Cyres Parish Hall W Town Rd Exeter, Devon EX5 5BL UK Telephone: 01392 851337 Email: [mailto:jeanwilkins1@btinternet.com jeanwilkins1@btinternet.com] Website: Newton St Cyres History Group


 * Newton St Cyres History Group is a small informal group that meets monthly (apart from a summer break) for evening lectures on local and regional topics.

North Devon Archaeological Society Castle Centre 25 Castle Street Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1DR UK Email: [mailto:rosemdy@hotmail.com rosemdy@hotmail.com] Email #2: [mailto:nddymond@hotmail.co.uk nddymond@hotmail.co.uk] Website: North Devon Archaeological Society


 * The Society's Aims are to promote awareness of, and interest in, archaeology and the historic environment with particular reference to northern Devon; to encourage field survey, recording, and research; to promote the preservation and interpretation of ancient monuments and antiquities in the region; and, where appropriate and necessary, to excavate to professional standards and to publish the results of research.

North Molton History Society Old School North Molton, Devon UK Telephone: 01598 740060 Website: North Molton History Society

Okehampton and District Local History Society Ockment Community Centre North Street Okehampton, Devon EX20 1AR UK Telephone: 01837 840158/01837 840087 Website: Okehampton and District Local History Society

Old Plymouth Society Spurgeon Hall Mutley Baptist Church Mutley Plain Plymouth, Devon PL4 6LB UK Telephone: 01752 227992 Website: Old Plymouth Society


 * This local history society's aims are "to promote interest and research into, and the preservation of, the heritage of the City of Plymouth".

Ottery St Mary Heritage Society The Institute Yonder Street Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1HD UK Email: [mailto:otteryheritage@gmail.com otteryheritage@gmail.com] Website: Ottery St Mary Heritage Society


 * The Society promotes the wider knowledge and understanding of our local history and culture. We also undertake archaeological field work in the parish and arrange outings to places further afield.

Paignton Heritage Society Gerston Christian Centre Torquay Road Paignton, Devon TQ3 3DX UK Telephone: 01803 523434 Email: [mailto:dwdw.cw@blueyonder.co.uk dwdw.cw@blueyonder.co.uk] Website: Paignton Heritage Society


 * The Paignton Heritage Society (formerly Paignton Preservation and Local History Society) has as its aims to preserve and open to the public all the heritage buildings in Paignton, to encourage tourist and trade initiatives that will benefit Paignton, to support local concern over critical planning applications, and to monitor the policies and plans of government, council, and developers.

Plymouth & District Archaeological Society Devonport Lecture Theatre Portland Square Building Plymouth University Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA UK Email: [mailto:enquiries@plymarchsoc.org.uk enquiries@plymarchsoc.org.uk] Website: Plymouth & District Archaeological Society


 * Regional archaeology group of amateur and professional archaeologists wishing to share their enthusiasm for local archaeology and provide knowledge and support for sites in our area.

Princetown History Club Princetown Community Centre Tavistock Road Princetown Yelverton, Devon PL20 6QE Telephone: 01752 847573 Email: [mailto:SimonDell1958@yahoo.co.uk SimonDell1958@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Princetown History Club

Ringmore Historical Society WI Hall Ringmore, Devon TQ7 4HW UK Telephone: 01548 810520 Website: Ringmore Historical Society


 * The Ringmore Historical Society was founded in 1984 by a group of residents keen to research and record the history of the village. Over the years the society has gathered a large archive of documents and photographs.

Salcombe History Society Salcombe Rugby Club Two Meads Camperdown Rd Salcombe, Devon TQ8 8AX UK Telephone: 01548 854075 Email: [mailto:info@salcombehistorysociety.co.uk info@salcombehistorysociety.co.uk] Website: Salcombe History Society


 * Our objectives are to gather information about Salcombe and the hamlets of Shadycombe and Batson and to make available all we discover to people world-wide, enabling them to research their roots on one dedicated site.

Sampford Peverell Society Sampford Peverell Village Hall Lower Town Sampford Peverell Tiverton, Devon EX16 7FB UK Website: Sampford Peverell Society


 * The Society was formed in 2004 with a broad remit about the Parish: from archaeology to buildings, industries, social history, and natural history.

Teignbridge Archaeological Society Kingsteignton Community Hall Rydon Road Kingsteignton, Devon TQ12 3LP UK Telephone: 01626 351953/07745 364245 (Mobile) Email: [mailto:timeteign.2016@gmail.com timeteign.2016@gmail.com] Website: Teignbridge Archaeological Society


 * The Society's Aims and Objectives are to consult, liaise, research, and develop greater knowledge of archaeology within Teignbridge, and to improve education, facilities, and services for archaeological work within the district and the region.

Yelverton & District Local History Society Meavy Parish Hall Meavy Yelverton, Devon PL20 6PJ UK Telephone: 01822 853260 Email: [mailto:lathamdandm@aol.com lathamdandm@aol.com] Website: Yelverton & District Local History Society Website #2: Yelverton & District Local History Society


 * The Society was formed over thirty years ago, in 1982, by a group of people who believed there was a need to study the fascinating history of the villages nestling on the Yelverton side of Dartmoor, and to make an effort to record as much of that history as possible while the places existed free of development and the people remembered the past.