History Articles
History - Oct 2021
Would you like to help research Plymouth and west Devon in the 1920s?
'Devon in the 1920s' is a research project hosted by Devon History Society in partnership with The Box, the South West Heritage Trust and the Devon Family History Society. Individual researchers and local heritage groups are currently beavering away, researching local people and places from the 1920s.
Press Release - Jul 2021
New blue plaque highlights artist’s links with Devonport
A new blue plaque highlighting a special link with celebrated 18th century portrait artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds has been unveiled at Devonport Market Hall today – the 298th anniversary of his birth.
Press Release - Jun 2021
Elizabethan House set to reopen this July with new immersive audio-visual experience
Plymouth’s Elizabethan House will reopen on Tuesday 20 July following a major restoration as part of Plymouth’s Mayflower 400 commemorations.
History - Apr 2021
Blue plaque unveiled in honour of Plymouth air raid shelter
A new plaque marking the site of an air raid shelter where nine people tragically lost their lives during the Blitz has been unveiled today.
History - Apr 2021
Blitz 80: King George VI microphone
This microphone with its chrome mouthpiece and black plastic base is from our historic collections and was used at a really important event connected to World War II.
History - Apr 2021
Blitz 80: Images from the archives
Royal visits, the role of women, that famous Resurgam sign and the re-building of the city.....here are some more insights about Plymouth and World War II to mark Blitz 80 using some key images from our archives.
History - Apr 2021
Plymouth History Festival 2021
The Plymouth History Festival is set to return this year. It will run from 7-30 May with a series of exciting events brought to you from local heritage groups and The Box. The overarching theme for this year's Festival is wellbeing.
History - Apr 2021
Blitz 80: Insights from the archives
We'll be continuing to mark the 80th anniversary of the Blitz throughout April. Here, thanks to documents held within the city's archives, we highlight two lesser-known stories about Plymouth during the Second World War.
History - Apr 2021
Blitz 80: The Bomb Book
We continue our commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz with a document, well-known to many as the ‘bomb book’. It was compiled during World War II by the Town Clerk’s Department, which was based at Pounds House. It and can be seen on display in our 'Active Archives' gallery when we re-open from 18 May.
Art - Mar 2021
Blitz 80: Aftermath of The Blitz
80 years ago Plymouth was reeling from two massive bombing raids which marked the start of the Blitz. This oil painting from our art collections dates from 1947 and is called ‘Aftermath of the Blitz‘.
History - Mar 2021
Blitz 80: The bombing of the Westminster Hotel
Like many other British cities, Plymouth was a target for aerial bombardment by the German airforce during the Second World War with the most intense air raids taking place between 20 March and 30 April 1941. At least 1,140 high explosive bombs, 17 paramines and thousands of incendiaries were dropped. Behind these stark statistics lie the poignant stories of people.
Press Release - Mar 2021
Plymouth Blitz remembered 80 years on
The city of Plymouth will come together in March and April to remember the 1,174 civilians who died during the 1941 Blitz in a special series of commemorative events.
