THERE has been a growth of interest in local history in recent years.

Sometimes, however, it must be admitted that what is said to be local is neither local nor history. Alex Mettler is innocent on both charges.

He writes about the local area in which he lives and which he understands. He is, at the same time, determined to apply the same disciplines that govern the writing of any kind of history. Which is not to say that 'A Devon Gem' is heavy going. It could hardly be so since Mr Mettler's delight in the history of inns is evident throughout, and is matched by his admission that he enjoys a pint or two.

'A Devon Gem' is about Tavistock, and its pages are filled with the doings of Tavistock people. The focus is, of course, the Bedford Hotel, which has been a striking feature for the town-centre for almost two centuries.

The name itself brings us immediately to the Bedford dynasty, and to one of the themes of the book, the relationship, stretching over centuries, between the local community and its patrons. How appropriate the Dowager Duchess should have been invited to provide a foreword!

The Bedford Hotel began its life in 1822. There is, however, some necessary scene setting before that date. Mettler provides just the right amount of information about the legacy of the Tavistock Abbey, about the earlier Bedford Inn, and about the Abbey House, the home that in 1822 was transformed into the hotel.

We are then drawn into the main core of the book, which is a detailed description of the hotel through almost two centuries in which it occupied a central position and played a special role in the life of the town.

It is evident from the book that Mr Mettler has two areas of particular interest and expertise, architecture and family history.

His subject lends itself to detailed accounts of both a building and the people who occupied it. One of the achievements of the story is the way in which a balance has been maintained between these two themes.

Interwoven between the descriptions of changes to the structure are details of the people, and particularly of families, who were directly associated with the enterprise.

It is interesting, for example, to learn of the close connections with family members in the same trade, and particularly of the Plymouth connections.

Associated with that, he is concerned with the accuracy of detail. Here can be found descriptions of big events, balls, parties, celebrations, meetings, hospitality for the good, along with menus, advertisements and price lists, and with the occasional anecdote about how, for example, the management coped with rationing during the second world war.

The cast is long and it is helpful to have two appendices listing the main characters. The index is also usefully comprehensive and detailed.

Alice memorably asked 'what is the use of a book without pictures?' Here there are 174.

The wealth of illustrative detail is striking and well presented, and is impressive in both range and quality. There are pictures of the hotel taken, it would seem, at every age and every angle. But there are illustrations that present it in the context of neighbouring buildings.

Mr Mettler has searched widely to come up with a list of portraits, postcards, press photographs, catalogues and other documents, as well as interior features that the visitor might easily miss.

I trust that I will enjoy opportunities to have a drink with Mr Mettler and to learn more from him about the venue of our meeting. I might even buy him a drink.

A Devon Gem by Alex Mettler is available in bookshops and at The Bedford Hotel priced £20. Published by Philip Davies. ISBN 9780957649309

Gerry Woodcock

Author, 'Tavistock: A History' and the series of Tavistock's Yesterdays.