'Rare' opportunity to see historic tithe map

The tithe map only goes on display "once in a blue moon", according to Lustleigh Society chair, David McGahey

An historic tithe map which is said to be one of the only ones still owned by a community in Devon has gone on display.

The Lustleigh Tithe Map is rarely displayed for conservation reasons and due to its size, according to Lustleigh Society chairman David McGahey.

Measuring about 9.5ft by 7.5ft (2.9m by 2.3m), it was drawn up in 1837 and was one of a series of maps created across the country as part of a system of enforcing a local tithe or tax.

The map and a number of other artefacts from the village archive, including number of paintings, are going on display in Lustleigh Village Hall.

'Piece of history'

The money collected from villagers through the tithe would have helped to pay for the upkeep of their church, as well as contributing to the priest's salary, the society said.

Mr McGahey described the detailed map of the parish as "a very special piece of history", with most parish maps kept in county archives.

He told BBC Devon that the society was "very rarely able to bring it out of its box to display it" for conservation reasons and due to its size.

"People will be able to see their own property from back in the day," he added.

The tithe map was drawn up in 1837

Mr McGahey said the Lustleigh map was published following the Commutation Act, which changed the way landowners paid taxes to the church, from a payment in kind to a monetary payment.

The map is on display alongside the village's apportionment, which also gives a snapshot in time of boundaries and land use.

The tithe map will be on display in the village hall as part of the Lustleigh Society Heritage Day, which runs from 10:30 BST to 15:30 on Saturday.

The Devon Family History Society will also be at the event, along with representatives of the Kelly Mine Preservation Society.

The Lustleigh Society researched, cared for and promoted the heritage of the parish, organisers said.

This included managing the Lustleigh Community Archive containing records, maps, parish magazines, photographs and a variety of historic documents relevant to the area, they added.