History Society Archives

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During a series of lectures given at the village school in 1976 by Dr R Sellman, a local historian, it was stated that the Whimple Parish records had been totally lost and it had never been discovered how they disappeared. This prompted some villagers to start a “Parish Chest”, in which any records of Whimple and its history could be kept for the benefit of all and for future generations. Mrs Frances Pratt donated the Chest and it was agreed it would be kept in the vestry of St Mary’s Church. The chest can still be seen today in the Heritage Centre.

The volunteers set about collecting deeds, documents, photographs, post cards, notices of activities, farm accounts, newspaper cuttings and anything else concerning the village and parish. They also interviewed older residents and recorded their fascinating memories of village life.

From these beginnings, grew the extensive current archives of the History Society. We continue to investigate the history of the parish and its people and to collect all manner of records telling the story of the wonderful place that is Whimple. We are delighted to receive additions to our records.