Colyton Parish History Project was officially launched on 30 November 2015, by local historian Todd Gray. Funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Project will tell the history of the Parish of Colyton and will digitize and preserve the nationally important archives of the Chamber of Feoffees. The event was organised to encourage local people to become involved in the Project.
A buzz of excitement and anticipation filled the Town Hall on Monday afternoon, with some 80 people attending the launch. Mr Gray inspired his audience with a brief tour d’horizon of possible research topics including: to what extent this most rebellious town in Devon was involved in or influenced by some of the notable revolts against the established church over the centuries, the influence of leading local families such as the Pole Carews at Shute, the contribution of the Chamber of Feoffees to the development of Colyton as one of the most important towns in Devon and the social impact of Poor Law legislation.
Concluding his remarks Mr Gray said: “This is an enormously exciting project with the scope for research to produce booklet after booklet for the next twenty years.”

A small exhibition, arranged by Feoffee Colin Pady, of documents dating from the early 17th century and other items of note such as old corn measuring jugs and an interactive digital display, organised by project consultants Freeline, both attracted considerable interest.
The Project will require a range of skills from primary source research, transcription, proof reading, picture research, organisational ability and film making. Training will also be provided in digitization techniques.
Anyone interested in volunteering and getting involved in this exciting project can obtain an application form by emailing Sarah Charman at the address below. Hard copies are also available at the Merchant’s House Tea Rooms in Market Place, Colyton. Individuals seeking additional information about volunteering with the Project or in the Heritage Centre can speak to either Jasmine List, Jacquie McCullough or Sarah Charman on the numbers given below. Jacquie McCullough on 01297 552626, Jasmine List on 01297 552313 or Sarah Charman on 01297 553148 and sarah.charman@yahoo.co.uk or info@colytonheritagecentre.org