The History of Devonshire

The History Of Devonshire by Thomas Moore presents a sweeping, multifaceted survey of the county, weaving topography with historical and antiquarian inquiry. It opens with a foundational portrait of Devonshire’s geography, climate, and scenery, detailing the boundaries, notable landscapes, and the mild, healthful environment that shapes settlement and agriculture. The work then traces rivers, springs, coastlines, and coastal change, noting navigability, bridges, and the impacts of sea-era erosion and accretion. It expands into transport and infrastructure, outlining inland navigation, canals, early railways, and major road networks, and it emphasizes the economic potential of canals, railways, and extractive trades such as lime, granite, and metal ores. A substantial portion is devoted to early population, myths, and the sources that shape historical understanding, followed by extensive antiquarian references and a survey of mining law, trade, and industry. Included are local summaries on agriculture, Dartmoor improvement, social life, dialect, and regional governance, all aimed at presenting Devonshire’s geography, climate, geology, and infrastructure in a unified, improvement-minded portrait.