Dr Todd Gray unveils in this lecture the texts of more than 100 writers who contributed to Mass Observation, that 1930s project in which Britain chronicled itself. This Archive is one of the last great untapped sources of Devon history and in it the experiences of men and women throughout North Devon from 1937 to 1945 will be explored. This will include the impact of food rationing, the arrival of evacuees, the effect of the war on dreams and the prevalence of rumours.

Please book tickets in advance from the museum front desk, £5 or £4 for museum supporters, refreshments included.