The rich and varied history of the Lower Severn Vale Levels is treasured and loved by many local people. We wanted to help more people enjoy finding out about the past and to share what they learned with others.

In this project, our volunteers learned to research their local areas using old maps, aerial photos, and the rich resources locked away in archives. Guided, trained and mentored by a professional historian, Dr Virginia Bainbridge, volunteers undertook community history research to a high standard, producing well-evidenced, fascinating work. This research was collected and turned into the Tales of the Vale publication and touring exhibition alongside the work of the oral history team.

Read the book here (for best viewing, click on View and then Read Mode).