Hundreds enjoy spotlight on town's hidden history

Many hundreds of residents delved into Tavistock’s past as a festival shone a light onto many little-known aspects of the town’s heritage.

Across ten days (11-20 September), the town came alive with stories, of mostly ordinary people, celebrating their contribution to the present through Heritage Open Days which offered over 40 free events, from talks and performances to guided walks and glimpses behind normally closed doors. The festival recorded 2,626 participant sessions. Well over double last year's attendance.

David Conn, chair of organisers Tavistock Heritage Trust, said: "Our thanks go to every organisation, guide, speaker, performer and volunteer and everyone who came along. You made this a joyful celebration of Tavistock’s history and the people keeping it alive. It was a fantastic festival and we’re already planning for 2027. We’re keen to hear from anyone who has ideas for next year’s festival.”

Memorable moments included climbing scaffolding on Betsy Grimbal's Tower and talking to the conservation team and archaeologists, for the Rediscovering Tavistock Abbey’s Project

Visitors also discovered the lives of ex-Bannawell Street residents and filled tours of Plymouth Road Cemetery and churches. Talks brought early medieval Tavistock and the lives of working people into focus, while the Tavistock Edge Players played to a packed Guildhall Courtroom dramatising a real legal case in ‘The Superintendent’s Letters’. Haydn’s ‘The Creation’ at St Eustachius’ Church was a glorious finale.

David thanked the generosity and collaboration of Tavistock heritage groups through the Heritage Alliance: Tavistock Museum, the Tavistock Subscription Library, Tavistock Library, the Guildhall Gateway Centre, the Police Museum, the Tavistock Local History Society, St Eustachius’ Church, the Catholic Church, the Robey Trust, Mount Kelly and the Tavistock Edge Players each brought something special to the programme.

Tavistock Heritage Trust shaped the programme with partners, co-ordinated events and volunteers, managed bookings, and shared the stories inspiring visitors. The response was wonderful, with the majority of events full and oversubscribed.

Anyone with ideas can contact Tavistock Heritage Trust at: [email protected]