MEMBERS of the public are being invited to step back in time and learn of the history of Tavistock this half term in a series of free events.

Tavistock Library will be hosting a programme called 'The Legacy of Monks and Mining in the Town of Tavistock', which will examine the history of the market town.

The programme begins on Monday, February 15 with the talk, 'Landscapes of History: The Cornish Mining World Heritage Site', by Ainsley Cocks from Cornwall Council's World Heritage Site team.

The talk will discuss the impacts of mining within Tavistock and the surrounding landscape, and how the pioneering mining technology in Cornwall and West Devon had a fundamental influence on the industrial revolution in Britain and worldwide.

The hour-long talk begins at 7.30pm at the Bedford Hotel in Tavistock, and an opportunity to view some of Devon County Council's Historic Environment Records for the town, including monastic burials and miners cottages, will be available before hand, starting at 6.30pm.

On Friday, February 19, local archaeologist Stuart Blaylock will conduct a guided walk, tracing the extent and survival of medieval buildings in the town, and examining the original layout of Tavistock's Benedictine Abbey. The circular walk from the library begins at 10.30am and finishes at noon, with a 30-minute question and answer session along with the opportunity to examine medieval artefacts. Refreshments will also be available.

Both events are free of charge, but booking is essential as places are limited. Tickets are available from Tavistock Library. For more information contact the library on 01822 612218.