North Devon Journal
The River Torridge Heritage Group has been contributing this column in the North Devon Journal since December 2023. The column was previously written by the late Peter Christie, who did so much to research and promote the history and heritage of Bideford and North Devon.
The column follows a similar style with historical themed stories mixed with local politics and community interest.
The River Torridge Heritage Group is a partnership of local heritage organisations led by Way of the Wharves
Columns are copied here after publication
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2026 is becoming a year of celebrations for shipbuilding along the Torridge NDJ 16/07/2026
In February, the Navantia shipyard hosted dignitaries from government and the Royal Navy to celebrate work starting on the bow sections of the new Fleet Solid Support Ship RFA Resurgent for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.At 216 metres long, these new ships will provide munitions, spares, food and other essential stores to naval vessels enabling the Royal Navy to remain…
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Rooker Bridgeland Street NDJ 09/07/2026
Have you ever noticed a brass plaque outside 24 Bridgeland Street, which reads ‘Rooker and Bazeley, Solicitors’? The antique Gothic script in the word ‘solicitors’ suggests there is a long history attached to the building, as indeed there is in houses up and down what is one of Bideford’s most emblematic streets. The difference is…
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Tides NDJ 02/07/2026
The history of Bideford and the Torridge is inextricably linked to tides, which are dictated by the moon’s gravity. Early civilisations recognised the correlation between tides and the phase of the moon but could not accurately predict tidal behaviour. It was Eudoxus of Cnidus, an ancient Greek astronomer, who as early as 356 BCE explained…
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Bathing Water NDJ 25/06/2026
It is good news that Westward Ho! beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status for the 23rd year running and a huge accolade for the many local people and organisations who keep our natural heritage safe and clean. But news has also arrived that Westward Ho! is one of the worst beaches in the…
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Bideford’s Festival of Trades 1951 NDJ 18/06/2026
As Britain started to recover from the austerity of the Second World War, a national festival took place to boost morale and showcase Britain’s achievements. In Bideford, the Bideford District Trades Exhibition ran from 11-16 June 1951. Housed in one of the largest marquees ever seen in Bideford, the festival got off to a successful…
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The Plimsoll Line NDJ 11/06/2026
In the summer of 1876, the first Plimsoll line, marking the maximum depth to which vessels can be loaded with cargo, appeared on the side of ships. It is now the 150th anniversary of this groundbreaking piece of legislation. In Victorian times it was common practice for many ship owners to deliberately overload vessels to maximise…
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Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour 