ON a beautiful day in April, members and friends of the Devonshire Association spent a day in Crediton learning about the Great Fire of Crediton of 1743 and a visit to Downes. 

Using contemporary reports and images of a fascinating map, Tony Gale of Crediton Area History and Museum Society and Project Lead which has set up the exhibition in Crediton Museum, took Association members through the events before, during and after the fire on August 14, 1743. 

The map caught the imagination of the visitors, research had established it was drawn up in 1741, showing the frontages of all the buildings along the High Street.  Annotation had been made after the fire, enabling a before and after picture to emerge.  

Tony said there had been many very positive comments about how the exhibition had focused on stories, bringing the project to life.  

“There are, indeed, some great stories here,” says Tony, “and it was very gratifying to hear such kind words from people who will have visited a lot of exhibitions and attractions.”

The group had asked for a talk on the Great Fire which Tony said he had enjoyed doing.  “Most of the people I talk to about the exhibition know a lot about Crediton and are keen to find out more about its history. 

“This was a group of people who did not know much about Crediton but they wanted to know how our research feeds into the bigger picture of Devon in the 18th century.

“We got into some discussions about unexpected topics such as Presbyterianism and Kew Palace.”  How does Kew Palace fit int the story of an 18th century Crediton; that is explained at the exhibition - or buy the History and Museum Society’s book.

The museum exhibition runs until October.  It is open from 10am to 4pm each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and from 11am to 2pm each Saturday.

The book “Crediton and the Great Fire of 1743” is available at the Museum or at The Bookery on the High Street. 

In the afternoon, Henry Parker, owner of Downes, gave the Association visitors a guided tour of his ancestral home. Outside, members admired the wonderful views over the front garden while Henry talked about the history of the house, first built in 1692.  

Henry was an excellent guide, answering the many questions as they went through the house.  

Dr Sue Andrew, Chair, History Section, The Devonshire Association said: “Henry told us that his ancestors had been very good at marrying heiresses who had managed to keep the house within the family!  

“Henry’s ancestors included Bishop Trelawney and General Sir Redvers Buller, VC.  We admired the dog gates on the stairs, an elegant bathroom (one of seven in the house) and the curtains in the panelled room! 

“We ended our tour in a room given over to archives and artefacts associated with General Sir Redvers Buller, where one of our members could read and translate an Arabic flag!”

The Devonshire Association brings together people from all walks of life who have an interest in Devon and all its aspects.  Talks and visits are held throughout the year and more information is available on its website: www.devonassoc.org.uk .