Great Torrington, the town on the River Torridge, is an ancient settlement extraordinarily sited on a cliff top with steep drops down to the River Torridge below. This impressive situation has always been valued for its strategic importance; now it is valued for its spectacular views.
Great Torrington is a historic market town, built mainly on an inland "clifftop", and thus it commands spectacular views over the River Torridge and acres of farmland set out far below you in a patchwork of natural colours that change with the seasons.
During the Civil War, Great Torrington was, first, a Royalist Garrison and then it was taken by General Fairfax, who mounted a surprise attack in one of the largest battles of the Civil War, on February 16th 1646. This proved to be one of the last and most decisive battles of the Civil War in the West Country, with a battlefield of some fifteen thousand men. The Royalists were defeated and events moved forward to the eventual culmination of the Civil War in England with the execution of King Charles I. The Civil War is commemorated by a permanent exhibition and interpretation centre "Torrington 1646", and by such lavish re-enactments as depicted in the picture above.
Great Torrington is a pleasant little town built round the Market Square. There are inns, café's, shops, a museum, a refurbished Victorian Pannier Market and entertainments such as can be found at the Plough Arts Centre.
Great Torrington is also the home of the world famous Dartington Glass factory, which may be visited on most days of the year. For cyclists and walkers, the Tarka Trail is nearby and, for gardeners, there is a day of great interest to be had by visiting the Royal Horticultural Society Gardens at Rosemoor.
The old Norman castle has all but disappeared and, where it once stood, is now the main car park, Visitor Centre, and the "Torrington 1646" exhibition. From the car park there is a precipitous drop to the River Torridge below, which provides some truly spectacular views over the north Devon countryside.
Since early Saxon times the town has been a meeting place and market centre for North Devon. Today, there is an undercover pannier market with a variety of interesting shops, craft workshops and stalls selling local produce. During the Tudor Period, Great Torrington was famous for its cloth production and glove making. Great Torrington woollen gloves are still made today, though on a small scale.
The Battle of Torrington in 1646 is of note for its ferocious street fighting amongst the fifteen thousand Royalist and opposing Cromwellian soldiers. It is also noted for the unfortunate end that befell two hundred Royalist prisoners, who met an untimely end whilst held captive in the church tower, a large explosion of gunpowder occurred which destroyed most of the church, the tower and its prisoners. The mound that runs along the churchyard path is deemed to be the mass grave of these unfortunate souls.
Great Torrington was seriously affected by fire in 1724, which burnt many houses and destroyed much of the historic borough records. Despite this episode there are still places of historic interest to be found amongst the architecture of today's town.
Situated on the first floor of the old town hall is a small but fascinating museum depicting items from Great Torrington's past.
The wonderful countryside surrounding the rivers Taw and Torridge inspired Henry Williamson to write "Tarka the Otter" in the 1920's.
Look out for a Real Ale brewed in the town and sold throughout North Devon known as 'Cavalier Beer'!
This friendly town, winner of the "Most Welcoming Community Wards 2003" is set in the heart of rolling unspoilt green countryside. Known as the Cavalier town, it has become recognised as and important heritage centre for the 17th century. Great Torrington today is a vibrant community and people in the town, proud of their heritage, can often be seen dressed in 17th century costumes for re-enactments, festivals and celebrations or as volunteers at the popular Torrington 1646 visitor attraction.
Great Torrington is a friendly, traditional market town with many award-winning shops, master butchers and bakers, offering quality local produce. The town centre also boasts cafes, pubs and banks within a two minute walk from the main car park. The refurbished Victorian Pannier Market also houses a variety of shops and craft workshops, selling local produce, unusual gifts and collectables.
The Town Hall, rebuilt in 1860, still has the original yard known as the Shambles, once a meat market and town lock-up. Now decorated with murals, delightful scenes depicting the history of the market from medieval times to the 17th century. In the Town Hall is also the town"s free museum, run by local volunteers.
The friendly, welcoming town of Great Torrington, set in the heart of rolling, unspoilt green countryside, has become well recognised as an important heritage centre for the history of the 17th century.
Torrington had a significant role in the English Civil War, specifically The Battle of Great Torrington in 1646 which marked the end of the Royalist resistance in the West Country. This led to the eventual defeat and execution of King Charles I.
Great Torrington today is a vibrant community and people in the town, proud of their heritage, can often be seen dressed in 17th century costume for re-enactments, festivals and celebrations.
Look out for a Real Ale brewed in the town and sold throughout North Devon known as 'Cavalier Beer'!
Great Torrington, the town on the River Torridge, is an ancient settlement extraordinarily sited on a cliff top with steep drops down to the River Torridge below. This impressive situation has always been valued for its strategic importance; now it is valued for its spectacular views.
The Torridge Valley lies in the very heart of Tarka Country. This wonderful landscape has remained practically unchanged since Henry Williamson found inspiration to write his classic novel 'Tarka the Otter' in the 1920's.
In the centre of the town is Torrington
1646, an exciting family attraction that reconstructs the 17th century town at the time of the great battle. It provides a fascinating opportunity for visitors, young and old, to explore this absorbing period of history. There are costumed interpreters all with very special stories to tell, living history displays, hands-on games and activities and a Physic Garden with the culinary and medical herbs so important at that time.
A good selection of retail, catering and other facilities are centred around the town square and include the refurbished Victorian Pannier Market selling local produce, gifts and collectables, along with The Plough Arts Centre offering a varied programme of entertainment.
The Town Museum provides a historic reflection of life in a small country market town and can also assist with family history and research. Entrance is free of charge.
The Black Horse Inn is thought to have originated in the 15th century. Reputedly the oldest pub in North Devon, it was the headquarters for Lord Hopton during the civil war.
Two minutes walk north of the square, is the Vicarage Garden featured in Charlie's Garden Army series on BBC1. It is a 17th century style fruit and vegetable garden containing many unusual varieties that would have been used in the 1600s.
Nearby attractions include:
- Dartington Crystal - an opportunity to see the world famous glass being
hand-blown and shaped. Plus discounted factory shopping including the largest glass shop in the country.
- Royal Horticultural Society Garden Rosemoor - including 65 stunning acres of woodland walks, herbaceous borders, a Winter Garden, Model Gardens, an arboretum with 18th century gazebo, Cottage Garden, Fruit & Vegetable Garden and a summer display of 2000 roses encompassing 200 varieties.
- Barometer World - see a fascinating and unusual collection of barometers through the ages - the biggest collection in the world! Observe detailed restoration work and browse the selection of new and antique barometers for sale.
Other Activities
- Great Torrington is encircled on three sides by common land, which was given to the town in the 12th century. These 365 acres of common land are the natural habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna and also home to a challenging 9-hole, 18-tee heathland golf course where visitors are very welcome.
- Twenty miles of footpaths across the Commons are described in a series of leaflets that are available locally and the Tarka Trail (a 180 mile cycling and walking track), passing through deep wooded valleys and riverside tracks, has some of the most attractive scenery in the region.
- A Town Trail, known as the Civil War Trail, leads the visitor on a short walking tour of the history of the town detailing buildings, events and people of particular interest including the free local museum in the Town Hall.
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