history
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What a collection of ceremonial regalia was in evidence when Bideford’s Manor Court met in the Town Hall last Saturday 15 March! Bideford Town Band played in the balcony and welcomed the Mayor in full regalia, a bewigged Town Clerk, Beadle, Town Crier, councillors and guests, including Chair of Torridge District Council and Mayors from…
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When the Bideford Manor Court met in the Town Hall in March 2024 there were a number of ‘presentments’ considered by the jury. These included cleaning the Kingsley statue by Victoria Park (completed within a couple of months) and celebrating the recognition, by the Maritime Heritage Trust in January of that year, of Bideford and…
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How far back does heritage go? A call for volunteers to take part in new archaeological investigations at Godborough Castle outside Bideford and Wrangworthy Cross (East Putford) reminds us that Torridge has plenty of pre-history – it’s not just about World War II and the Spanish Armada. A stone row on Isley Marsh, almost completely…
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We are all aware of Bideford’s outstanding pottery heritage, but it is not very evident in the town or celebrated publicly. A Millenium project a generation ago sought to remedy this by constructing a replica bottle kiln in Victoria Park, next to the Burton Art Gallery. Although it was somewhat smaller than the many kilns…
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Picture the scene, the date is late 1855, a young married couple in their 20s are heading purposefully up Market St towards their new business. It is the Bideford Gazette newspaper. The couple are soberly dressed as befits members of the Wesleyan Church community. The Honeys, for this is who they are, Thomas and Eliza, are newly…
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Shipbuilding Harland and Wolff Whilst we all want shipbuilding at Appledore to continue, the news that Spanish shipbuilder Navantia is in line to buy Harland and Wolff has had a mixed reception. Some say it should be the UK Government that should step in to safeguard a national industry. In Belfast, there is a particularly…
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‘Look after your unique heritage and make the most of it.’ So said Professor Mark Horton, who spoke at an event in Bideford Town Hall to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Bideford’s charter of incorporation on 10 December 1573. It was an impressive occasion, attended by the mayor and civic staff in full regalia. Professor Horton…
Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour 