History - Great Torrington

experienceDevon’s customized holiday itinerary planning can show you the historic district of Torridge, which includes Great Torrington, as well as Clovelly, Hartland Quay,  Westward Ho! and Northam Burrows.
Please see other pages in the history and heritage section for these other areas.

Great Torrington is 7 miles West of Bideford and sits at the top of a hill on Roman Foundations, overlooking the river Torridge. It has a fascinating history with its first Castle being built in the 12th century and subsequently demolished due to lack of authorisation from King Henry 111. It was rebuilt in 1338. Torrington Common was gifted to the people by the Lord of the Manor in the 12th century and provided valuable grazing rights.
Today it provides 20 miles of hiking trails and is a haven for wildlife. Torrington was a trading and geographical hub, recognised in 1554 when it was granted a Royal charter, with a Mayor, enabling it to hold markets. A further charter from James 111 in the mid 1600’s gave the town control over its own affairs and this lasted until 1972 when it was removed due to an Act of Local Government.

During the Civil War of 1642-1646, the town became a strategic base due to its geographical position on top of a hill. Torrington was attacked in 1646 by the New Model Army of Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell. A bloody battle ensued and 200 Royalists were imprisoned in the Church. This detonated the 80 barrels of gunpowder being stored there and all the prisoners were killed with the Church being severely damaged. The town on the night of the final battle, and the explosion, can be experienced today as it is re-enacted by the popular ‘1646’ attraction of vernacular costumed characters.

Trade and industry has historically been agricultural based. It also has had trade in wool, rope-making, pottery, tanning, corn merchanting and glove-making. Most trade took place in the streets until the Pannier Market was built in 1842. 30 years later the railway linked Torrington to Bideford and Barnstaple providing business for the huge dairy, which has now closed.
The village of Taddiport can be seen from the top of the hill. It had a leper colony and has a tiny 30x11ft Chapel which served the Colony. Residents were granted cultivation rights over narrow strips of land, to keep them self-sufficient thus minimising cross-contamination. 2 strips of land can still be seen today looking down on the village from Torrington.