THE ancient stannary town of Tavistock will play host to the first international conference exploring the tinworking landscape of Dartmoor in a European context next month.

The event, from May 6 to 11, marks 25 years of the Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group and 10 years of the UNESCO World Heritage designation of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.

The event will include 13 lectures, including speakers from the Czech Republic, France, Germany and Iberia, as well as Britain, four evening events and three full days of field trips. Delegates will receive a conference booklet and a special medallion crafted in tin and there will be a display of historic mining images.

The conference has been organised by the Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group, which has also created an exhibition on tinworking at the High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown, running until May 25.

Tom Greeves, one of the organisers and a specialist on Dartmoor tinworking, said: ‘This conference is wonderful recognition of the importance of Tavistock in the long story of Dartmoor tinworking. It is a fitting contribution to the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape designation. Of special interest is its international dimension, with delegates from continental Europe.’

For more information email tomgreeves @btconnect.com