9 North Devon’s Own Legend: Lorna Doone

North Devon’s Own Legend: Lorna Doone North Devon can proudly boast fabulous scenery, beautiful beaches...and being the home of literary legend Lorna Doone. Published in 1869 by English author Richard Doddridge Blackmore (known more commonly as R. D. Blackmore), Lorna Doone: The Romance of Exmoor is, as the name suggests, a romantic novel set in the Exmoor region of North Devon. The areas of Exmoor where the novel took place are often referred to as 'Doone Country', and visitors can take walks throughout the area, enjoying the beautiful scenery that inspired Blackmore's classic novel. The story: Lorna Doone is a love story at its core, but there is also enough action, revenge and duplicity that readers have remained entertained since 1869. The tale revolves around Exmoor farmer John Ridd and his unlikely love for Lorna Doone, a beautiful young woman who was born into the violent Doone clan, the very same clan that killed Ridd's father years earlier. When it transpires that Lorna is actually not a Doone but in fact heiress to one of the biggest fortunes in the country, law dictates that she and John can no longer marry. Through years of social turmoil and what seems like impossible obstacles, John faces old rivals, is captured for treason, earns a title, and throughout it all seeks to be reunited with his love, Lorna. The book is a favourite throughout the world for its portrayal of surviving love, and for its detailed descriptions of the beautiful North Devon countryside. Interesting facts:• R. D. Blackmore, like so many famous authors throughout history, had trouble finding a publisher for Lorna Doone. He eventually published just 500 copies of his novel anonymously in 1869, and only 300 sold. Despite this discouraging first attempt, Lorna Doone was republished the following year, soon becoming a huge success. The novel has never been out of print since. • There have been at least ten screen adaptations inspired by Lorna Doone. • Lorna Doone was said to be the favourite book of infamous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, whose distinctive armour may have been inspired by the Doone clan's "iron plates on breast and head". Lorna Doone country: Visitors to Exmoor National Park can walk through what is now known as Doone Country, where they are able to see sights such as R. D. Blackmore's memorial, Badgworthy Water, Oare Church and a ruin known as Lorna's Cott. Although there's no real evidence that all of these sites were, in fact, the specific areas Blackmore wrote about in Lorna Doone, the countryside is nonetheless spectacular, and well worth a visit. To find out how you can see all of these sites on your visit to North Devon, read details of a picturesque 6 mile walk through Doone country here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/outdoors/walks/lorna_doone.shtml