Historical sites in the picturesque seaside town of Sidmouth have been brought to life in a new book, 'Guide to the Blue Plaques – Life and times in Sidmouth'.

Today, May 8, marked the launch of the book, which was produced by members of the Sid Vale Association. The event was held at Sidmouth museum; with the four authors in attendance, along with various members of the SVA and guests.

Speaking at the event, Rob Thurlow chairman of the SVA, said: "The book is about the history of Sidmouth displayed through its 64 blue plaques.

"The original blue plaques scheme started in 1992 and this is the third edition of the publication. It includes 29 new plaques, as well some of the original stories which have been revised to reflect new information having come to light.

"Blue plaques define houses which are worthy of notes, either because they're good buildings or because famous people have lived there, or because events have taken place there which are noteworthy."

When asked what most intrigued him about compiling this latest version of the book, author John McCarthy, said: "There were two things that struck me, in terms of Sidmouth being transformed from a fishing village into a fashionable regency in the late 1800's; one of which was the London merchant of Jewish heritage, Emanuel Baruh Lousada, who's ancestry was rather like the Rothschild's.

"He built Peak House and was extremely well connected throughout the aristocracy of the time. Being very hospitable, he would invite these people down from London, some of whom would also go on to build properties in the area.

"The second is Knowle House, which was just the most astonishing place; built by eccentric, Thomas Leversidge Fish. In 1821, he inherited a fortune from his father and while remaining to live very frugally in London, he bought Knowle Cottage in Sidmouth.

"There he spent massive amounts on buying beautiful things and all sorts of oddities, which he displayed around the house, along with 30 acres of ground, which he filled with exotic animals and plants.

"The astonishing thing is he opened it up to the public once a week, which is pretty much unprecedented in England and that helped raise Sidmouth's profile to national level."

If you would like to discover more about the extraordinary history of Sidmouth and the heritage behind the 64 blue plaques in the town, you can purchase your copy of 'Guide to the Blue Plaques – Life and times in Sidmouth' from the Sidmouth museum, or contact the Sid Vale Association for more information.

Image one: (l to r) Richard Thurlow, Andrew Rugg -Gunn, Julia Creek, John McCarthy, Nigel Hyman and Kelvin Dent.

Image two: Book cover artwork courtesy of the Sid Vale Association.