About Dr.Todd Gray – The Mint Press
Dr Todd Gray has devoted his working career to the study of Devon's history. His passion for his adopted county is self-evident through his publications and in his lectures. He has written more widely on Devon's past than any other Devon historian and is at the heart of Devon's historical community. Dr Gray has taken the lead in promoting the study of Devon's history and has most recently led efforts in developing dialogue between the key stakeholders in Devon's archives and local councils. He has regular appearances in local and national media.
Dr Gray was born in New England and first came to England as a school boy in the 1970s. He returned to complete his undergraduate studies at the University of London. He subsequently enrolled as a post-graduate student at the University of Exeter and in 1989 was awarded his Doctorate in History. He remains an Honorary Research Fellow of the University and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
He set up his own publishing business and has now successfully published 48 titles mainly written by him, and some, by other writers. Four were awarded `Devon Book of the Year' by the Devon History Society. Each is about local history and they cover a wide range of aspects relating to the South West and particularly Devon and Exeter. All stages of a book's publication are organised and arranged in Devon using other local businesses. One can truly say they are "made in Devon".
Dr Gray's other achievements, among many, are that he wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper, the Express and Echo (History Matters') and has written questions for Mastermind. He is Chairman of the Friends of Devon's Archives, the current President of the Devon Family History Society and a past Chairman of the Devonshire Association. He is a committee member of the Devon History Society, Devon & Cornwall Record Society and Devon & Cornwall Notes & Queries. Dr Gray is also a member of the Devon Buildings Group.
Todd Gray is actively involved in supporting many local history groups and charities. He undertakes numerous public and private talks each year and has lectured in more than 100 villages and towns in Devon as well as in such far-flung places as Mongolia and Uzbekistan.
Most of his time is spent researching, writing, and with his publishing business, however, he also enjoys gardening and visiting local churches and buildings of interest. Dr Gray has recently learned that he has ancestors who originated from Barnstaple in the 1620s before emigrating to New England.
Todd can be contacted through this website about any aspect of his books or to enquire about a talk or lecture. Contact Todd
Lectures by Dr Todd Gray Open to the Public
Please note that these events are organised by various groups and there may be a small charge for visitors.
Dr Todd Gray is delivering a series of lectures on Devon's ancient bench ends as part of the promotion of his latest monograph, DEVON'S ANCIENT BENCH ENDS. The subject of seating is dividing congregations and Gray's introduction provides a fresh view which has implications for how bench carvings can be perceived across the country.
Devon Record Office, Exeter, 18 March 2013 See below for further details - booking required (as part of the Church Seating in Devon conference)
Meavy near Plymouth, 19 March 2013
Chudleigh, Devon, 6 September 2013
Exeter, Devon, 17 September 2013
Bow, near Crediton, 7 October 2013
Abbotskerswell, near Newton Abbot, 14 October 2013
Jan- March 2013 THE CHURCH FABRIC OF DEVON
A ten-week course looking at
Screens, fonts, pulpits, stained glass, monuments, sundials and tiles
through a mixture of lectures and group work on original documents.
In the Jury Room, Exeter Guildhall, from 2 pm to 4 pm, from 10 January until 13 March 2012.
If you would like to reserve a place please send a cheque for £55 made payable to Todd Gray to: Taddyforde House South, Taddyforde Estate, New North Road, Exeter EX4 4AT Cheques will not be banked until late December
Pre-booking is required for:
THE HISTORY OF CHURCH SEATING IN DEVON
at the Devon Heritage Centre (formerly the Devon Record Office), Great Moor House, Sowton, Exeter, Monday, 18 March 2013
from 9.15 COFFEE
10.00 Welcome
10.05 John Allan, `Misericords and Stalls'
11.00 Dr Todd Gray, `Ancient Benches and their Carved Ends'
12.00 LUNCH
1.00 Dr Jo Cox, `The Rise and Fall of the Box Pew'
2.00 Richard Parker, `Victorian Benches and Chairs'
3.00 TEA
3.30 Francis Kelly, `Reordering and the modern church'
Booking includes morning and afternoon tea/coffee and lunch.
Number of places required:
Name:
Email address for confirmation:
To book please send a cheque for £22, made payable to Todd Gray, to Taddyforde House South, Taddyforde Estate, New North Road, Exeter EX4 4AT. Please note any dietary restrictions and enclose a sae if written acknowledgment is required. Cheques will not be cashed until 1 March 2013 and the last day for booking is 10 March 2013.
The Devon Heritage Centre is located about three miles east of the centre of Exeter, and beside the Honiton Road Park and Ride Car Park. Access to the building is via the front entrance which faces away from Honiton Road. Major road connections are via the M5 from the north, the A30 from the east, the A38 from the south and the A30 from the west. Details of public transport can be found on the Devon Record Office website.
