In an event that promises to be a unique experience, join renowned historian, Dr Ian Mortimer on 11 April, for an exclusive talk to a small audience at Higher Uppacott – the rare and amazing example of a Grade 1 Listed medieval Dartmoor longhouse. The one hour talk on 'The changing medieval world - from the Vikings to the Scientific Revolution' will be followed by an informal tour of Higher Uppacott conducted by Dr Mortimer. The event starts at 10.30 am and finishes at 12.30 pm and with tickets only costing £15.00 it is advisable to book early to ensure a place.

As Ian puts it: 'We think of the world as seeing huge changes - and the distant past as relatively unchanging. Indeed, when we look at a medieval house such as Higher Uppacott, part of which has not changed since the fourteenth century, we are tempted to think as it being a timeless place, outside the pressures of developing society. But much of that illusion is due to our obsession with technology. If you look at the first six centuries of the last ten, a huge amount of development happened. Society may have changed greatly over the last four hundred years but 'society' hardly existed six hundred years before that. It is highly likely that eleventh century people living in the manor of Spitchwick, where Uppacott is situated, never went to church - for the simple reason there wasn't one - and never went to market either, for the same reason. They may never have used money. But it is quite likely they owned slaves - Saxons were keen on slavery. In short, the sweep of time that we think of as the middle ages contains more changes and social developments than most people imagine.'

Higher Uppacott, one of the very few fourteenth-century ‘ordinary people’s’ houses left in England, is owned by Dartmoor National Park. Ensure your place on this exclusive ticket only event by telephoning 01822 890414.

Event details:

11 April 
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: Higher Uppacott
Cost: £15.00 per person
Please book on 01822 890414