TOP historian Dr Ian Mortimer and historical novelist Michael Jecks will be joining forces to open the Tavistock Heritage Festival next month with an evening debate and discussion at Tavistock Town Hall. Ian, who lives with his family in Moretonhampstead, has been dubbed one of the most innovative historians in the country. Among many other historical works he is also the author of the bestselling 'Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England' and 'The Time Traveller's Guide to Elizabethan England' with more 'Guides' in the pipeline. He is a keen campaigner for the public importance of history at national level and in the community, and is Secretary-of-State appointee to Dartmoor National Park Authority and a member of the Lord Chancellor's Forum on Historical Manuscripts and Academic Research. Ian will be joined by historical novelist Michael Jecks. Hailed as the master of the medieval murder mystery Michael, who also lives on Dartmoor, is one of the most prolific historical novelists in the country. His Knights Templar mystery series is thirty-one books strong and growing. These books, set in 14th century Devon, feature Sir Baldwin Furnshill, a former Knight Templar, and his partner in crime fighting Simon Puttock, the Bailiff of Lydford Castle. Two of Michael's books are set in Tavistock. The discussion, entitled 'History, folklore and historical fiction — comfortable bedfellows?' will take place in Tavistock Town hall on Friday, October 24. Ian Mortimer will also be giving a special one off talk on Saturday, October 25 at the Bedford Hotel at 11am entitled 'Which century saw the most change – 1000 to 2000?' Based on his new book 'Centuries of Change' he will be asking: What does all this past mean for our future? Tickets for both events are available from Bookstop, Tavistock 01822 617244 or via http://www.tavistockheritagefestival.org.uk">www.tavistockheritagefestival.org.uk