ARCHAEOLOGIST, historian and manager of the Museum of Dartmoor Life at Okehampton Andrew Thompson will talk about the the fascinating history of Tavistock and its domination for 1,000 years by two powerful institutions — the Benedictine monks and the Dukes of Bedford — next month.

The illustrated talk at the Devon Rural Archive (DRA) will explore the influence in the market town of Tavistock Abbey (from the 10th to 16th century) and the Dukes of Bedford (from the 16th to 20th century), which can be seen today in its street patterns, medieval ruins and architecture.

Abi Gray, consultant archaeologist at the DRA, said: 'Tavistock was originally a monastic settlement that was later transformed by the Dukes of Bedford using profits from copper mining.

'The Bedford estate's urban planning and Tavistock's industrial archaeology is now so highly valued by heritage professionals that the town is included in the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site.'

Andrew Thompson has more than 25 years' experience teaching, lecturing and leading history and archaeology guided walks and tours. He was formerly a teacher of history in higher education in Plymouth, London and Cambridge.

The talk on February 5 will take place in the lecture room at the DRA, Shilstone near Modbury, PL21 0TW. Tickets are £5 each and booking is advisable. Please call Abi on 01548 830832 or email [email protected]">[email protected] to reserve tickets. Doors open at 6.30pm and refreshments will be available.