Tributes paid to much-loved Harlow historian David Devine
History / Wed 2nd Jul 2025 at 08:58am
TRIBUTES have been paid to much-loved Harlow historian, David Devine, who has passed away.
David, who was aged 69, was the archivist at Harlow Museum for many years.
His depth of knowledge and genuine interest in the town was an inspiration to many.
He supported many projects in the town. We know that members of The Square were very grateful for his work.
As shy and modest man, he was a real pleasure to talk to. He was an inspiration.
Your Harlow Editor Michael Casey said: “When we were planning to launch YH in 2012, David was one of the key people we discussed our newspaper with.
“We wanted to make sure that our newspaper reflected and paid respect to Harlow’s past.
“It was David (as well as Ron Bill) that we sat down with and discussed Harlow’s history with.
“We has left a huge legacy. We do hope that there will be a fitting memorial to David.”
Curator at Harlow Museum, Ellen Pewsey added:
‘We are saddened to hear of the passing of David Devine, a beloved local historian, former colleague and volunteer of Harlow Museum.
“We are grateful for David’s dedication to preserving and sharing Harlow’s history. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and learnt from him.”
In 2017, YH delivered a filmed project called Harlow is 70: Why They Came Here. In January 2017, we interviewed David in Chippingfield.
Steven Singleton
2025-07-02 09:04:52
Sad news RIP Dave🙏
gary roberts
2025-07-02 09:31:13
I knew David for many years when he lived in Potter Street. He was a man who wanted to get involved in the local residents' association working quietly to support it and indeed support me when I was chair of the association. His interest in the history of the area was obvious and the last time I saw him he was planning to write a book. I hope he did and would love to read it if he did. A good man that loved his work at the museum and his knowledge was exceptional. I would like to attend his funeral but don't know if that has already happened. If not please could you tell me when it is. Rest in peace David.
Ian Beckett
2025-07-02 09:55:35
This is a sad loss for the town. David was mild-mannered, pleasant, and unassuming. He was always helpful and very knowledgeable. Invariably if he didn't know something himself he knew in which direction to point you. Much love to his family and friends.
Colleen Morrison
2025-07-02 10:21:47
I am so sorry to learn of David Devine's death. As curator of the museum, he was a hard working member of the museum's team, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of Harlow. I remember David for the quiet and understated way in which he dispensed his knowledge of local history. I recall during a discussion with David and Stan Newens, years ago, I'd said that the name of an army major commemorated on one of Harlow's war memorials should be removed due to his appalling conduct during WWI, which led to the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of soldiers, including that of war poet, Wilfred Owen. Stan asked David if he thought that was the case, David quietly said, "He was indeed, er, c-c-c-c controversial." God bless and rest in peace, David.
Guy Flegman
2025-07-02 11:07:42
Dave was a friend of mine since the late 70’s. He will be sadly missed by everyone who’s lives he touched
Nicholas Taylor
2025-07-02 12:01:50
Really sorry to hear this news. David was all that has been said in other posts, RIP David.
Mr Grumpy
2025-07-02 13:21:13
A kind and gentle individual. I first met him many years ago in my late teens. Very quietly spoken but always wanting to be helpful to others. A very sad loss for the town. Sleep well Dave.
Iain
2025-07-02 14:29:07
I'm David's Partner. The assumption that he was the Curator of Harlow Museum is not true. In fact he told me he did not want that job ! But, he worked at every Museum site,as a dedicated Archivist and Librarian as he was also as a Harlow Historian. He even named a couple of housing areas in Harlow, such as Turnors. I hope you will get your facts right and remember David as the local legend he is , and I'm proud to have known him personally. Iain Dracott.
Gary Roberts
2025-07-02 17:35:50
Iain has David been rested yet? If not I would like to attend the service. Would that be possible? Gary
Martin Butcher
2025-07-03 06:18:54
Very sad to read this. I knew David many years ago when we were both involved with Harlow Council UNISON Branch. A sad loss for Harlow Town and all who knew him. RIP.
Peter
2025-07-03 07:58:33
Very interesting facts about harlow.chippingfeild being built by the builders, they say they are the best houses in harlow, the obviously used the best materials, still today alot of builders still live there.also interesting about the arkwright family being land owners, obviously we have an area named after them, also that the lives at pardon Hall, in the grounds of the hospital,.nice to hear about the towns development.RIP david
Dean Weston
2025-07-03 10:17:19
The Harlow community has lost a true guardian of its heritage with the passing of David Devine. For those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, David was a man of quiet modesty, yet his deep knowledge and unwavering care for Harlow’s past, present and future left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. I first met David in 1998 through my involvement as press officer for Hands Off Our Park! (HOOP!) the campaign to protect Harlow Town Park. Even then, his passion for the town’s history and green spaces was evident. He didn’t seek the spotlight, but his insights – rooted in years of dedication as a staffer at Harlow Museum – were invaluable to those fighting to preserve the town’s unique character. Later, when I joined the committee of the Harlow Civic Society, I saw firsthand how much he loved this town. Whether sharing stories of its New Town origins or advocating for thoughtful development, David’s wisdom was always delivered with humility and a gentle sincerity. David’s legacy lives on in the streets, parks, and memories of Harlow – a place he understood not just as a collection of buildings, but as a living, evolving community. He will be greatly missed, but his contributions ensure that future generations will continue to learn from and appreciate the town he cared for so deeply. Rest in peace, David. Thank you for all you gave to Harlow.
Iain Dracott
2025-07-03 16:14:38
Hi.Gary Roberts. No it is too early for the funeral. He only passed away on 30thJune. May be a few weeks. I will pu something on Facebook when I get the funeral date. Iain Dracott.
Polly
2025-07-04 18:56:20
A true and loyal friend for so many years, a gift to my life. RRest in peace and rise in glory.👃x
Lourdes Burrell
2025-07-04 21:10:44
My deepest condolences to his entire family for this priceless loss. I had the pleasure of meeting him a short time ago, but he was a very respectful and sociable person. My husband and I had the pleasure of welcoming him to our humble home in San Diego, CA. Accompanied by my sister-in-law, David, always attentive to every detail. We are so sorry for your loss.
Lourdes Burrell
2025-07-04 21:12:30
❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🥲😌
Iain Dracott
2025-07-08 12:59:34
There are a lot of people who knew David want to know when his funeral is. That is the level that he will be missed in Harlow. Words are hard to find, in his loyalty for the friends he had, in his local History, local music, and keeping local paper cuttings and leaflets for Harlow Museum archive. Also never shy about giving talks about Harlow, not just here but at surrounding towns, and as a facilitator for the U3A History Group. I could go on, but I know a lot of memories will be exchanged at the funeral which I will announce as soon as I get the date. Iain
Mandy devine
2025-08-03 20:26:05
Hi all This is David's sister in law I cant see any updates. But the funeral will take place at Pardon wood crematorium At 3pm on Wednesday 6th of August. Thank uou
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