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Exmoor’s Great Romance turns 150!

29th March 2019

Categories: Visitor News

Exmoor’s greatest romance novel turns 150 this year as the anniversary approaches since the book’s publication. Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor was written by RD Blackmore and is set in Exmoor National Park. Initially published anonymously in 1869 in a limited three volume edition of just 500 copies, with just 300 being sold, but in 1870, it was released in a one volume edition and instantly became a huge critical and financial success. In the 150 years since it was published the book has never been out of print.

Blackmore was hugely inspired by the natural beauty of the National Park and this is reflected within Lorna Doone. The epic story includes historic events, such as the Great Winter and the Monmouth Rebellion, as well as various local legends of the notorious Doones and the highway man, Tom Faggus with a band of outlaws being used as a plot point. The frequent descriptions of Exmoor that can be found in the story still apply today in all its stunning glory.

The book is set in the 17th century in the Badgworthy Water region of Exmoor and follows the story of the Doone clan, a once noble family who are now outlaws. It centres around John Ridd, the son of a man murdered by a Doone some years before, who is now working as a farmer in the region. He falls for Lorna, who he meets by accident, who is believed to be the granddaughter of Sir Ensor Doone and is also destined to marry, reluctantly, Carver Doone, the heir of the Doone Valley. Once Sir Ensor dies, John helps Lorna escape to his farm, however the fact that she is a Doone causes problems among John’s family because of his father’s murder. As Lorna and John’s relationship intensifies more drama unfolds marking this one of England’s greatest epic romances. Exmoor is used particularly as settings for various scenes in the book and all the characters speak in a phonologic style, emphasising the regional accent. Blackmore himself went to school in Tiverton, which also features in the story and an incident of a shooting in Chagford also inspired events in the book.

Throughout 2019, a number of events to celebrate the book are being held. The Dulverton Heritage Centre are holding a year long exhibition to mark the anniversary. Sue Baker, the curator of the exhibition, said: “The exhibition is a celebration of Lorna Doone, the author, story, setting and characters of this enduring love story. We’ve also included a feature on how the story has been dramatised with stories of how local people have been involved.”

Visitors to the museum and the region of Exmoor can explore the landscape described in the book throughout the summer and a family weekend being held in Dulverton will include dramatic re-enactments across the 29th and 30th June. The Pleasure Dome Theatre Company are also putting on outdoor theatre performances of Lorna Doone between 20th and 31st August.

Visitors to the Two Moors Festivals will also get to experience the celebration of the anniversary as there will be a brand new work based on the well-loved story being performed at the festival in October, with current students from Blackmore’s school getting involved.

A number of other events are also planned.