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
-
Local Government Reorganisation and Heritage NDJ 26/03/2026
Today at midnight the Government’s consultation on Local Government Reorganisation will close. The Government is seeking views on proposals that will see the end of district councils like Torridge and North Devon, as well as Devon County Council. Instead of two tiers of local government, with a different council responsible for collecting the rubbish from the one that…
-
Fountains NDJ 18/03/2026
‘I switched them on’, said the little boy in the blue anorak proudly to his class mates from the Muddy Paws preschool group. Standing against the harbour wall, just tall enough to see over, they were all watching the newly recommissioned fountains on Bideford Quay sending jets of water high into the blue sky on…
-
The Red House NDJ 12/03/2026
In August 1925 the Bideford and North Devon Gazette reported that the Red House, ‘noted for Its catering’ had removed from Bridgeland Street to the Quay. What, and where, was the Red House? Researchers at Bideford and District Community Archive have found some answers. Today, numbers 25 and 26 Bridgeland Street, Grade II listed buildings,…
-
Trees NDJ 05/03/2026
Bideford Regeneration Board’s Masterplan makes much of the town’s built heritage as well as our maritime history. But there is another aspect to our urban heritage which perhaps receives less attention: our arboreal heritage. From the ‘wonky conker’ on the Quay to the Monterrey pines at Chudleigh Fort, our town is rich in trees which…
-
Cutting steel NDJ 26/02/2026
In December last year the Navantia shipyard at Appledore held the ceremony for the commencement of ‘cutting steel’ as they started work on the construction of the bow section of the first Fleet Solid Support Ship. At 216 metres long – the length of two Premier League football pitches – these new ships will provide munitions,…
Subscribe
Enter your email below to receive updates.
