Heritage Harbour Blog

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

  • Our heritage seen from the river (1) NDJ 25/07/24

    Many of us see the River Torridge most days. We casually note the state of the tide and maybe even focus on the channels that remain at low water. Like all navigable rivers, there will be evidence of past activity, sometimes the remains of a boat or a fixture in the bank or mud. Only…

  • Seaweed – a new harvest from the sea NDJ 18/07/24

    Later this summer we are expecting an unusual to arrive at Bideford Quay. Unusual because it is a harvest from the sea that hasn’t been landed here previously. But if this first production is a success, then it will only be the start. What is it?  Seaweed, grown in Bideford Bay. This first harvest is…

  • Future prospects with a new government NDJ 11/07/24

    So, we have a new government. We await with interest what it will mean for the future of the projects lined up in Torridge for consideration under the Conservatives’ Levelling Up Partnership funding to tackle regional inequality. Labour have said that the Levelling Up policy has failed and were reportedly intending to axe the phrase,…

  • Time and tide NDJ 4/07/24 

    In Bideford, we are conscious every day of the movement of the tide. Here on the edge of the Bristol Channel, the river Torridge enjoys one of the largest tidal ranges in the world. Tidal range is the difference in height between low and high tide. The only place with a larger tidal range is…

  • Planned demolition of collar factory building NDJ 27/06/24

    Among the many services the late Peter Christie performed for Bideford was the publication of an excellent book on our collar industry. From the 1870s to the 1920s, generations of local people – mainly women – worked in factories producing detachable starched collars which were sold all over the UK and as far afield as…

  • Arts culture heritage at Bideford Fair NDJ 13/06/24

    Saturday 8 June marked a highlight in the Bideford events calendar. Bideford Fair, put on by Bideford Town Council, is a premier local event and brings our community out and together for an excellent fun packed day. The weather was glorious and there was something for everyone. Local community events are so important in maintaining…

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