TAVISTOCK Town Council is asking local people what they know about Sir Francis Drake ‘Tavistock’s most famous son’.

Recent controversy about statues and who they celebrate has put a spotlight on Drake and his life.

The town council, with its partners, would like to both learn more about what local people think but also to increase understanding about this part of the town’s history.

An online survey has been created and everyone who lives in Tavistock is invited to have their say.

Three Tavistock councillors, Ursula Mann, Ginnie Parker and Lesley Crawford, were appointed to manage the initiative.

Cllr Mann said: ‘We are also talking to and working with many others in town and further afield including Tavistock Heritage Trust, Tavistock College, local people who identify with Black Lives Matter and Tavistock Rotary Club. Tavistock College has undertaken a survey of their years 7 to 11 concerning Drake.’

Information collected will be used to design and manufacture a board about Drake which will be installed close to the statue.

‘We hope that in presenting a more multi-faceted view of Drake we can stimulate a more informed debate and in the process enable a greater understanding of our own history and Drake’s role in it,’ added Cllr Mann.

To take part visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TTCDSSurvey before August 7.