An online journal for the North Devon Athenaeum
We've been taking a look at some of the interesting posts we have written over the years about local women and women's organisations, here are 7 our favourite posts to celebrate International Women's Day
We have come across many stories of local men who fought in the First World War, putting a human face to the events which still have an imapct on our lives today. One of those stories is that of Thomas Edward Cork of Appledore and his older brother William. Born on the 21st November 1894, …
Continue reading "Away From the Western Front – Thomas Cork’s story"
When the Armistice was signed 100 years ago today, many took to the streets in celebration. This article was written by one of the North Devon Herald's journalists and describes the scenes in Barnstaple on that memorable day. "PEACE HAS BROKEN OUT!"I was in the midst of a shorthand transcript in the reporters' sanctum of …
It is well known the contribution women made as nurses during the First World War with examples in literature such as Testament of Youth written by Vera Brittain about her experiences as a VAD nurse but this was an occupation traditionally undertaken by women. Half a million single men had volunteered in the first two …
Continue reading "Women in World War One – Women’s War Work and the Women’s Forestry Corps."
When looking through topics to research in relation to 1917 I came across the statement about the Women’s Forestry Corp. “in Devonshire, last year, a whole camp of foresters was completely flooded out” [Land and Water Extra “Women in the War Edition” April 1919 on http://www.scarletfinders.co.uk Searching local newspapers for reference of this I found …
Continue reading "Women in World War One – The Social Standing of Women before the War"
With a new year come new challenges and changes for the North Devon Athenaeum. Last year the way we work with the North Devon Record Office changed as did the public area we share with them. This year will hopefully see some exciting changes behind the scenes. We will be closed in early February to …
In a field in France, lie the remains of Hector Hugh Munro, author and playwright who was also known to many as Saki. The youngest of three children, Munro was born in Burma on the 18th December 1870. In 1872 his life changed dramatically when his mother died after being charged by a cow in …
In August 1916 one of the journalists from the North Devon Journal visited Sergt. George Kerswell in Braunton. George Kerswell was born in Dunsford, near Exeter, in 1878 before moving to Braunton. By the time he went to war he had a wife, two sons and a step-daughter and was in the thick of the …
Continue reading "Home From Dujailah – Braunton Sergeant’s Experiences in Mesopotamia"
Fred and Reg Priscott, twin brothers, served with the 1st 6th Devons in both India and Mesopotamia during the First World War. Born 18th October 1895, in Barnstaple, they were the Regiments only serving twins. Before the war both Frederick John and Reginald James Priscott were working for local furniture maker Shapland and Petter and …
Whilst scanning items for our North Devon War Items project on our Facebook page, I came across several stories about the men who served in the war which made me want to find out more about them. One of these men was Mervyn Ninnis of the Devonshire Regiment. Born on the 9th January 1889, in …
Tales From the Archives 