THE news that Gerry Woodcock 'has got another book out' will probably already have been brought to the attention of his legion of readers and admirers.

For he has established a position, surely unchallenged, as Tavistock and its area's most erudite, accomplished and prolific historian.

Born in the Midlands, he came west to the town almost 50 years ago to fill the post of head of history at Tavistock College, and has lived here ever since. He has, over the years, immersed himself in the comprehensive and exhaustive task of telling the old stannary town's thousand year plus history.

He has done it so vividly and professionally in well over 20 publications, that he is in constant demand to give talks and lectures and his books are ever in demand.

The reason for his success are there for all to see and appreciate.

A learned man, he further possesses the twin qualities of tenacious adherence to the pursuit of factual accuracy, which denotes the true scholar, making his publications essential reading for the serious student of local history, and a brisk, lucid, almost conversational style.

This makes his work satisfying and rewarding for those who enjoy a wide ranging book on local life, local people and local events over the decades and centuries.

'Homage to St Eustachius — A History of Tavistock Parish Church' has to be among Gerry's most ambitious, demanding projects to date.

It is a magnificent production of more than 300 pages, recounting the history of a church dedicated to a somewhat obscure martyr, St Eustachius, a former Roman soldier who died for his faith in the second century AD. Only two other churches in England have a similar dedication.

More than 20 pages are filled by various appendices including a list of the vicars of Tavistock since 1309, and it is surprising there have been fewer than 60 during the past 700-plus years; despite the increased mobility of people during more recent times, there have been but seven incumbents throughout the past century, including the present rector, the much respected Rev Michael Brierley.

A comprehensive bibliography and all-embracing index are also to be found, while a rich feature of the production are the 95 photos sprinkled throughout the pages, pristine reproductions, some in black and white, others in glorious colour.

Possibly the most glorious of these, assuredly the most famous, is that designed by the eminent Victorian designer, printer and poet William Morris. He visited the town often, his uncle, who was the first managing director of the Devon Great Consuls Mine, living at Abbotsfield Hall.

The quality of this and other photos is of such a standard, they delight the eye.

However, while such illustrations add to the ambience of the publication, it is their prose, naturally, which is at the heart of matters — the history of a church which has dominated the centre of Tavistock since Mediaeval times.

The author covers this immense span of time systematically, perceptively, accurately and possibly most important of all to the reader who is not a scholar, imaginatively and lucidly.

The history is broken down into ten chapters. Each contain fascinating detail, some minute, of the life of those involved directly with the church, of the folk who lives around it of the changes to the great building itself, the ever-evolving ways of delivering the word of God — some minor, some dramatic — the politics involved both local and national and the character and personalities of so many of those who influenced Christian worship in the town.

He also is most adept at making readers aware of the vast importance and power of the church and clergy during Mediaeval times, indeed, for hundreds of years afterwards.

Granted its influence and relevance has waned in this modern age, but until the 20th century, the church, locally and nationally, Roman Catholic and Anglican, held much sway, and say, over the way people lived their lives, even those who were not church attenders.

Yet while St Eustachius Church is no longer the focal point of power or influence in secular aspects of life, it remains the major house of worship in the Tavistock area and physically, stands in all its dominant splendour at the heart of one of the most imposing town centres of the west of England.

Whether its pews are full of worshippers or empty with the doors locked, it has presence and grandeur which will ever capture the attention of resident and visitor alike.

To do justice to the history, culture and importance of St Eustachius Church, to summarise and evaluate the rich diverse range of relics, artefacts, tombs and so forth found within its walls, needs the skills of a writer and historian of the highest quality. It has one in Gerry Woodcock.

A beautifully produced publication, printed on paper of fine texture, this is a superb addition to his comprehensive, much prized collection of local history books and prospective readers should not consider perusing it on 'Kindle' or downloading it, for this is a book to touch, to hold, to enjoy, consult and read at leisure again and again.

'Homage to St Eustachius — A History of Tavistock Parish Church' by Gerry Woodcock, is published by Phillimore and Co Ltd, ISBN 978-1-86077-731-8 priced £25 and available from Bookstop in Market Street, Tavistock.

Ted Sherrell