HISTORICAL deeds dating back to the 17th and 18th century have been handed to the Museum of Dartmoor Life.

The first deed refers to the lease of lands called Paddison in the parish of Inwardleigh for 99 years, or the lives of John and Elizabeth Easterbrooke. The land was leased to John Luxmore of Okehampton in 1779 by Edward Lord Clive.

The second deed, dated 1691, refers to land in Hampshire, and the museum is hoping to pass the document on to the appropriate record office for safe keeping.

The museum's curator, Maurie Webber, said the documents were interesting because of who they had come from.

The museum was approached by the family of Vice Admiral L Ghormley, and after assurances regarding their safe keeping and proper care, the deeds arrived at the museum in early January.

In 1940, Vice Admiral Ghormley was chosen as the United States Naval Observer in London by President Roosevelt.

Maurie Webber said: 'Vice Admiral Ghormley had meetings with Prime Minister Winston Churchill and top military men, as well as with the American Ambassador. His reports led to the exchange of secrets between Britain and the United States.

'Later the Vice Admiral returned to London as Commander of all U.S. naval forces participating in the occupation of Germany.'

It would appear the deeds were purchased in the 1920s by Vice Admiral Ghormley's mother in an antiques shop in Boston, Massachusetts.