CREDITON Museum held another of its Great Fire of Crediton walks on August 25, and the first question the leader asked the assembled walkers was this: The Great Fire of Crediton was on August 14, 1743, so why is August 25, 2023 the 280th anniversary of that fire?

Full marks went to the one or two people who knew that the calendar changed in 1752, when the British government adopted the (more accurate) Gregorian calendar, chopping 11 days out of that year.

So from 1753 onwards, what would have been August 14, fell on August 25. The things you learn!

Tony Gale from Crediton Museum said that it was “tipping it down” as the group gathered for the walk on August 25.

He continued: “The pavements were awash in some places. We talked about history for an extra five minutes before peering outside to see that the rain had stopped – and mercifully the weather remained dry as we walked around the town, looking at and talking about several places associated with the fire and the fascinating town map from 1743.

“By special request, we’re offering the walk one last time for this season.

“The third and final Great Fire walk for 2023 will be on Friday, September 22, starting at the museum at 6.15pm – a bit earlier than the previous walks, as the nights are drawing in.

“Spaces are limited and advanced booking is strongly advised.”

Tickets for the walk are £5 each, payable when booking.

Book yours via: [email protected]  or at the museum (open 10am to 4pm each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 11am to 2pm each Saturday).