Peter Christie, Graham Hobbs Bideford Through Time

Annotation

Bideford enjoys a spectacular location in North Devon. Sited astride the River Torridge its two halves are linked by the thirteenth-century bridge with its twenty-four arches all of different sizes. Founded by the Saxons it has had a long and fascinating history as a port and market town. From its quays sailed the first colonising venture to the New World. Sir Richard Grenville, the first Native American to be buried in England lies in its churchyard. Used as the location for Charles Kingsley's Victorian bestseller Westward Ho!, it saw its tourism industry develop greatly. Today, the narrow town centre streets lead down to a tree-lined quay, which bustles noisily with fishing vessels, cargo and pleasure boats. Take a look at Bideford old and new in this fascinating collection of carefully selected photographs which will surprise and delight anyone who knows and loves the area.