AN exhibition marking the controversial tenure of a 17th century Tavistock clergyman is to take place in the town later this year.

The Rev Thomas Larkham arrived in Tavistock in April 1648 as chaplain to the Parliamentary army and became Vicar of St Eustachius. His time as vicar was controversial — local resentment erupted and on the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660 the Duke of Bedford asked him to resign. However, the Duke looked kindly on those who left with Larkham and allowed them the use of the Abbey Chapel.

This year marks the 350th anniversary of the Great Ejectment, when 2,000 clergymen were ejected from their churches for refusing to sign the Act of Conformity which restricted their worship to the Book of Common Prayer. A service of reconciliation is to be held on February 7 at Westminster Abbey.

It is from Thomas Larkham and those who agreed with him, that Tavistock United Reformed Church in Russell Street derives. The church is proud of its dissenting roots and the 350 years that it has served the people of Tavistock.

Tavistock URC is planning an anniversary exhibition and is appealing to anyone who may have photographs of the churches used by the then Congregational Church - two were in Brook Street - or have photographs showing events, previous ministers and people.

If so, the URC would like to loan them They will be scanned and returned to the owner quickly- or maybe they can scan them themselves and email them to [email protected]">[email protected] telephone 01822 614613.