Okehampton Through Time

Okehampton, a settlement where two moorland rivers meet was an ideal stopping place on the way to Cornwall for travellers. This market town sits under Dartmoor's northern edge and has a wonderful history. Here Paul Rendell has picked some photographs which tell part of this history including the military, the railway, and of course the shops. There are some fine buildings like the town hall and a lovely riverside park. This pictorial record helps the reader to learn the history of this market town of Okehampton which has witnessed many changes over the years. The biggest changes have been in the last few years as more houses are being built. Our history is getting lost so enjoy looking back.

Okehampton resident Paul Rendell, known as 'Dartmoor Paul', was born in Plymouth and has been fascinated by Dartmoor since he was a boy. His childhood explorations, while on family holidays, gave him an intimate knowledge of the moor that few others possess. Later his continued enthusiasm for the moor's industrial archaeology and wildlife led him to an additional job of leading guided walks and giving talks - a job which later became his full-time profession. As well as now being the Conversation Officer for the Dartmoor Preservation Association and a Committee member for the Okehampton & District Branch of the Devonshire Association Paul is a keen local historian. He has written many articles for newspapers and magazines and 1991 he founded the 'Dartmoor News', a bi monthly magazine which he still edits today. Many of his photographs feature on Christmas cards, postcards, calendars and in magazines.