Did you know that the two strip fields across the valley are what remain of fields that were reserved for the use of lepers who lived in the hospital of St Mary Magdalen in Taddiport from the 14th to the 17th century?
Join us on Saturday 10th September 2022 to find out more about Great Torrington’s fascinating heritage at our History Alive event! Activities will be taking place all over the town all day – please see below for details. A programme will be published prior to the event and will be available for collection from the Town Council, Tourist Information Centre and various other outlets across the town:
Timed Events:
Time: What: Where
10am: Official Opening Town Square
10am – 12 noon: Torrington Silver Band: Town Square
10am – 12 noon: Torrington Historical Society Oral History Coffee Morning: Methodist Church, Mill Street
10-11am & 1:30 – 2:30pm: Rolle Canal Society Guided Tour: Starts & ends at Puffing Billy (total distance approx. 1 mile)
10am – 1pm: Great Torrington Bowling Club “Open House”: The Bowling Club, The Green, Castle Street
11:30am – 12:30pm & 3-4pm: Tarka Valley Railway Tour: Starts & ends at Puffing Billy (no more than 1 mile)
2pm: The Great Cemetery Scandal Talk by Peter Christie: Great Torrington Town Hall
2-4pm: Costumed Bowls Competition: The Bowling Club, The Green, Castle Street
All Day Events (10am – 4pm unless otherwise stated):
What: Where
Costumed Market Day (10am – 2pm): Pannier Market
Mayfair Exhibition: Great Torrington Town Hall
Wardour Garrison (17th C Living History): RHS Rosemoor
History of Glass Making in Great Torrington: Dartington Crystal
15th C Living History Encampment: Castle Hill Gardens
Open Day at Cawsey House: 28 South Street
17th C Costumed Guides: Physic Garden, Castle Hill
Historical Characters: Throughout the town