About the Dartmouth History Research Group
The Dartmouth History Research Group began in 1991 when Ray Freeman, a local history teacher and author, first brought together people interested in exploring local history. Sadly Ray died on 19 September 2023. A page dedicated to her memory, giving an account of her life and work, can be found here.
Although Ray’s published works had contributed a great deal to the understanding and appreciation of our local history, there was still a lot left to discover. The group agreed to concentrate on research and making historical information about Dartmouth and the surrounding area available to everyone – that remains our focus today.
Under Ray’s leadership, progress was rapid – by the end of 1993 there were ten books in print. To help the growing number of people interested in local and family history, the Group began collecting and transcribing documents such as parish registers and census returns. In 2003, under new Chairman Irene O’Shea, and led by Wally Fleet, longstanding member and later the Group’s third Chairman, the Group began a new project, the development of a website, “The Dartmouth Archives”, bringing together an extensive collection of information and resources, and funded by a generous grant from the Local Heritage Initiative of the Heritage Lottery Fund (and others). The website went live in 2007, enabling people all over the world to discover the history of Dartmouth and the surrounding area. The present website aims to build on that very considerable and remarkable achievement.
Over the years we have made available much family history information including parish registers, census records and burial records. Other activities include transcribing and summarising original records such as property deeds which are a rich source of information on the history of the town. Oral history has also been an important theme and we have taped the memories of older residents and anyone with stories to tell about the past. We have produced many books and articles and contributed to many collaborative projects, working with Dartmouth Museum, Dartmouth Town Council, and other local groups and organisations. Our contribution to Dartmouth’s Mayflower 400 project in 2020 is one recent example.
Perhaps you have memories of life in this part of Devon locked in your head, or longstanding family links to the local area, or other local knowledge? If so, come and join us and help make history! We’re always delighted to welcome new members and value all skills and experience. You can learn as you go along and you don’t need any research qualifications – just enthusiasm, perseverance and an enquiring mind! Members pursue whatever aspects of local history they are interested in, support other members in their research, or get involved in wider DHRG projects. Everyone works in their own way and contributes in whatever way suits them best.
To find out more, come to one of our meetings (see the home page for details) or email us at enquiries@dartmouth-history.org.uk
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