The big legacy of a small place

CHARMIAN EVANS looks at the fascinating history of Plympton St Maurice in Devon where, next weekend, the village will hold its annual three-day Midsummer Festival

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PLYMPTON St Maurice must be one of Devon's best-kept secrets. The quaint, conservation village is complete with a siege mound and castle. Its history dates back to Saxon times and much of it is still obvious today in the higgledy-piggledy houses and glorious gardens.

Famous painters, inventors, doctors, vicars and MPs are all linked with the small village, many of whom has gone on to make an important historical impact on the nation. Add in some lovely architecture and you have a rare and special place.

Next weekend there's the opportunity to explore this fascinating village. On Friday, June 20 Plympton St Maurice begins its annual three-day Midsummer Festival which extols many of the virtues of its colourful history and gives a unique look into years gone by.

The festival also reflects celebrations that have gone on over centuries in St Maurice. Sir Joshua Reynolds was born 300 years ago in Plympton St Maurice and that day was celebrated in style in the village last year. The famous artist was the first president of the Royal Academy. He went to the local grammar school, now known as the Sir Joshua Reynolds Centre. Built in 1671, Sir Joshua's father taught there and the old cloisters would have echoed the voices of the young Joshua and his classmates.

This year, the choir, named after Sir Joshua Reynolds, will be using their voices too when, on the evening of June 20 they perform in the 16th-century village Guildhall, situated near the castle green.