The Devon Rural Archive is looking at the story of the old salt route that runs to Totnes as their next lecture.

The story of the old salt route that runs from Coombe Cellars, on the south bank of the River Teign estuary, near Combeinteignhead, and on to Totnes, is to be told by local historian Colin Vosper at the Devon Rural Archive on Thursday, November 2.

In his richly illustrated talk, ‘The Old Saltway: from Coombe Cellars to Totnes’, Colin will share compelling historical anecdotes as well as facts connected to places along the way, such as Berry Pomeroy.

There is even a link to the Newfoundland fishing industries in the 16th and 17th centuries.

“The route was first described by Deryck Seymour in his book ‘Torre Abbey’ and was used by the salt trade to transport salt and other goods from the salt marshes of the Teign estuary to ships preparing to go to sea at Totnes or Dartmouth” explained Abi Gray, resident archaeologist at the DRA.

She continued: “What makes it particularly interesting is that the route followed includes very few roads and is mainly comprised of churchways, manor boundaries, old trading passages and packhorse paths.”

A retired teacher, Colin most recently taught lecturers at South Devon College on how to deliver online learning. He has used these skills to develop visual presentations on local history matters and also spends a lot of time researching and photographing local and family history in Devon’s museums and highways and byways.

The talk will take place at 7pm in the lecture theatre at the DRA, Shilstone near Modbury, PL21 0TW, and refreshments will be available from 6.30pm. Booking is recommended, call Abi on 01548 830832 or email [email protected]. For further information visit www.devonruralarchive.com.