Welcome to Tavistock
Tavistock is nestled in the heart of Devon’s picturesque countryside. Its a town steeped in rich history and vibrant heritage, offering visitors a captivating journey through time. With its charming streets, historic buildings, and stunning natural landscapes, Tavistock beckons travellers to explore its past and present delights.
Tavistock is a World Heritage town, with a story that begins centuries ago. It can trace its origins to the Benedictine Abbey founded in 961 AD by Ordgar, Earl of Devon. This abbey, dedicated to Saint Mary and Saint Rumon, served as a focal point of religious and cultural life in the region for over 500 years. Its influence extended beyond spiritual matters, shaping the economic and social fabric of the town and surrounding areas.
During the Middle Ages, Tavistock flourished as a thriving market town, renowned for its bustling markets and skilled artisans. The town’s prosperity was further bolstered by its position as a centre for the wool trade. Merchants flocked to its markets to buy and sell goods. The legacy of this prosperous era can still be seen today in Tavistock’s charming Pannier Market, where visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by. King Henry I granted the monks a charter to run a “Pannier Market” in 1105 and its been running ever since. Today, there is also a farmers’ market twice a month in Bedford Square.
The town is also the birthplace of Sir Francis Drake and the Hawkins Family and its maritime trading links are only now being rediscovered by local historians thanks to the discovery of a rare wall painting of a Tudor warship in a medieval building in the town’s ancient market district.
The town’s recorded history dates back to the founding of the now ruined Abbey of Saint Mary and Saint Rumon in 961 and by the mid-19th century, Tavistock was a mining boom town fuelled by the industrial revolution and the expansion of mining activities in the area. The nearby Devon Great Consols mine (now part of the Cornish and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site) was one of the world’s largest copper mines and later produced roughly half of the world’s arsenic. The 7th Duke of Bedford reputedly earned over £2million (equivalent to over £165million in today’s money) from his local mining interests. One of the legacies of this wealth is the grand buildings of Bedford Square, now home to Tavistock Guildhall Interpretation Centre.
Today, Tavistock is celebrated for its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can wander through the town’s charming streets, admire elegant Victorian architecture lining its thoroughfares and marvel at the romantic medieval ruins of Tavistock Abbey.
Visitors used to seeing town centres full of identical chain shops will be surprised at the range of independent and individual shops in Tavistock. In recent years, Tavistock has been voted ‘Best Market Town in England’ and ‘Best Food Town’.
Notable annual events include the Tavistock Goose Fair (in existence since 1116) and the Tavistock ‘Real’ Cheese Fai
For nature enthusiasts, Tavistock offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, with the breathtaking landscapes of both Dartmoor National Park and the Tamar Valley right on its doorstep. From rugged moorland to tranquil rivers and ancient woodlands, the area provides endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting, ensuring that visitors can connect with the natural world in a truly immersive way.
But perhaps what truly sets Tavistock apart is its sense of community and hospitality. Whether you’re sampling delicious local produce at the weekly farmers’ market, exploring the town’s wide array of independent shops, enjoying the vibrant Pannier Market, visiting its fascinating Museum and the award winning Guildhall Centre or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Tavy, you’ll find a warm welcome wherever you go.
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