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Things to do in Great Torrington, Devon

Great Torrington is a small town in North Devon with a population of around 13,000. It was built overlooking the steep sided valley of the River Torridge.

Rolle Bridge Torrington
Rolle Bridge Torrington © (Lobsterthermidor (talk) 18:19, 30 January 2014 (UTC)) (own photo) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Great Torrington was mentioned in the Domesday Survey of Devon in 1086. Its history dates back to the Iron Age and Castle Hill had a series of mediaeval castles and forts built on it. By 1228 they had all been destroyed on the orders of King John.

Taddiport from Castle Hill
Taddiport from Castle Hill © Detroit Publishing Co., under license from Photoglob Zürich [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

During the English Civil War a battle was fought at Torrington in 1646, Parliamentarians led by Sir Thomas Fairfax, defeated the Royalist supporters who were led by Lord Hopton. The battle was significant as it marked the final resistance of the Royalist supporters in the West Country.

Rosemoor House
Rosemoor House © Maurice Clements [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Some 200 Royalists were imprisoned in the church which was used as a gunpowder store. Shortly afterwards the powder exploded killing most of the prisoners, destroying most of the church and the church records with it. It was rebuilt in 1651 and the mound outside the church is thought to be where the prisoners were buried.

After the London and South Western Railway extended its line to Torrington it opened a locomotive depot in the town. The line was finally closed in 1984 and the station is now the site of a pub, the Puffing Billy, a cycle hire shop and several old carriages and wagons.

River Torridge at Torrington
River Torridge at Torrington © Nilfanion (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The track is now part of the 32 mile-long Tarka Trail which is used by walkers and cyclists.

The closure of the Dairy Crest factory in 1993 led to huge unemployment in the town. It had previously employed locals since 1874 when it was owned by the Torridge Vale Butter Factory and the Milk Marketing Board.

Another famous business was the Victorian glove factory in a chapel-like building on Whites Lane.

Torrington Town Hall
Torrington Town Hall © Nilfanion (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

 

Present Day Great Torrington

This friendly town has been voted North Devon's "Most Welcoming Community" and is surrounded by common land on three sides and scenic countryside beyond.

Walk beside the wall above the River Torridge
Walk beside the wall above the River Torridge © Wendy - stock.adobe.com

The community of Great Torrington is known as the most active group of volunteers in the UK.

It is proud of its historic heritage and frequently hosts re-enactments, festivals and celebrates the Civil War Battle of Torrington with a torch-lit procession through the town.

Cavalier Week, the Royalist Revels Fayre and the Mayfair are all fun events which attracts thousands.

Bridge over the River Torridge
Bridge over the River Torridge © Mushy - stock.adobe.com

It has an Arts Centre with a small cinema, theatre and a pannier market with a glass roof. Torrington Heritage Museum is run by volunteers in the Town Hall. The displays include many fascinating historic exhibits. Entry to the museum is free.

Things to Do Around Great Torrington

Checkout the dates for the next historic re-enactment when the costumed locals dress up and recreate historic events. Visitors can also follow the Civil War Trail around the town or visit the interactive Civil War Experience at "Torrington 1646".

The path to Taddiport from Great Torrington
The path to Taddiport from Great Torrington © dpe123 - stock.adobe.com

The Torrington Cavaliers provide spectacular entertainment such as the burning of a scaled down copy of Nelson's HMS Victory.

The Commons covers 365 acres and was given to the town in the 12th century as common grazing land. It is administered by the Commons Conservators and has over 20 miles of public footpaths with plenty of local flora and wildlife.

The Wellington Monument, Great Torrington
The Wellington Monument, Great Torrington © Mushy - stock.adobe.com

Dartington Crystal is a fascinating place to visit and take a factory tour.

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