ONE of Tavistock's most iconic buildings is the subject of a well researched and illustrated book being launched today (Thursday).

'A Devon Gem —­ The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock' has been produced as a 500 copy limited edition and its publisher, the hotel's owner Philip Davies, said that the book has been 'a labour of love' for its author, local historian Alex Mettler.

Mr Mettler is a founder member and past chairman of the Tavistock and District Local History Society, and co-author of two books, with Gerry Woodcock, on those named on the town's war memorial.

Describing the elegant Bedford Hotel he said: 'Its body is tangible but its heart and soul hide stories of human contribution and family connections which have helped build the hostelry of today.'

In his book Mr Mettler wrote: 'The hotel has found and established its own place in the history of Tavistock and this work attempts to collect together facets of its history and to allow the reader to become more familiar with the hotel and its evolution from the ruins of Tavistock Abbey.

'This is not an academic work but is written simply because I like the hotel immensely and, since coming to Tavistock in 1976, have been interested in what, and who, shaped and formed the Bedford Hotel, and other hostelries, into the buildings and enterprises which we know today.'

The hotel has a proud history of more than 300 years and was first noted in 1719 when the inn first adjoined the Higher Abbey Gate, before moving to its current site on Plymouth Road in 1822.

In the book chapters include its history, the influence of the Bedford family, a comprehensive section on the hotel and some of its personalities between 1822 and 1955 and another of its managers post 1955. One chapter is dedicated to the Bedford Tap — a bar located under the main entrance to be used by coachmen, ostlers and servants. It was said that customers were recognised by their shoes or boots — as the staff saw them coming down via a flight of steps.

Henrietta Bedford, the Marchioness of Tavistock, wrote in her foreword: 'Although due to death duties in the 1950s, the family no longer have ownership of this beautiful town, it will always feel part of the estate. When I was doing up the only house we still have in the area, I always stayed at the Bedford Hotel.

'Michael Healing was the manager at the time, and it gave me the feeling of being "home".

'I do hope that all who read it will do as the author has suggested and "Raise our glasses to the Bedford Hotel and the next 300 years".'

Philip Davies, the owner of the Bedford Hotel, is delighted with the publication and said that Mr Mettler had done 'a first class job'.

'Alex spent a lot of time producing this superb book, including all the research; there is an amazing amount of detail,' he said.

'In years to come this book will be a great source of information ensuring the hotel's history is not lost.'

Mr Davies said that the Bedford Hotel had always had, and would continue to have, a special place at the heart of Tavistock life.

'It's a community centre for the town, a place for businesses and where various societies hold their meetings, and is an important part of the town, and as a building needs to be treated with respect, which it has earned over the years.

'The work Alex has produced has been a real labour of love and he has done a fantastic job. As payment for the book we agreed that Alex could have a pint of Jail Ale every time he visited. I believe he has certainly earned it!'

In addition to today's launch, there will be a special celebration lunch with many former employees invited at the hotel on October 13.