Literary Locations in Devon

From the romantic, windswept drama of Dartmoor National Park, to coastal town mysteries and Exeter's role as a strategic battle centre, Devon's breathtaking landscape has featured as a backdrop in novels throughout history.

The History Press have published an excellent range of books set in Devon, including The Devil Comes to Dartmoor - The Amazing True Story of Mary Howard, Devon's 'Demon Bride'. Written by local author Laura Quigley, this new book looks at the haunting true story of Mary Howard, Devon’s ‘Demon Bride’, a story of love, treachery and revenge in seventeenth-century Devon. Click here to order a copy of The Devil Comes to Dartmoor. 

Devon author Michael Morpurgo’s book War Horse is set to become a major blockbuster film due for release in January 2012, directed by Steven Spielberg with parts filmed on Dartmoor.

After filming, Spielberg praised the beauty of the natural landscapes of Dartmoor: "I have never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty as I experienced filming War Horse on Dartmoor"

In recent years, Devon has also become the setting for German TV productions of many of internationally renowned author Rosamunde Pilcher films of recent years, with locations including Exeter, Ugbrooke House in Chudleigh, and Combe House Devon. 

Bernard Cornwell’s series of Saxon Stories tell the tale of Alfred the Great and his descendants through the eyes of Uhtred, an English boy born into the aristocracy of ninth-century Northumbria, captured by the Danes and taught the Viking ways. In the books Uhtred comes to Exeter (referred to as Exanceaster), to see King Alfred the Great and Crediton (known as Cridianton).

Another new addition to the History Press's popular series, is The Little Book of Devon by John Van Der Kiste, packed full of curious and simply strange information about the city, delving into the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts. 

A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage, the secrets and the enduring fascination of the county. It is essential reading for visitors and locals alike. Click here to order a copy of The Little Book of Devon by John Van Der Kiste

The Little Book of Devon, edited by Emma Mansfield is a colourful, fact filled book highlighting places to visit and quirky facts about Devon. 

For example did you know that the county of Devon is home to more thatched cottages than anywhere else in Great Britain or that Devon greets around 6 million visitors each year – imagine the number of cream teas!

Click here to find out more and order a copy - the perfect gift for all who love Devon! Also available to buy from Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets.