On Saturday 10th September 2022 the town of Great Torrington will be holding a History Alive event to showcase the town’s rich heritage which dates all the way back to the 8th century AD.
The town will be buzzing with plenty of free, fun, educational and interactive activities to highlight important milestones experienced by our relatively small but hugely significant Northern Devon Market Town throughout the ages. Activities will include living history re-enactments, a 1st World War recruitment drive, guides dressed in period costume ready to talk to visitors about notable characters who lived in Great Torrington, a costumed bowls competition, talks and guided tours of the Rolle Canal and Tarka Valley Railway, displays and exhibitions, a costumed market day and an oral history project focussing on the town’s industrial history as a glove-making centre.
In addition, visitors will have free entry to Dartington Crystal’s Visitor Centre which showcases the history of glass making in Great Torrington, and the Landmark Trust’s “Cawsey House”, an elegant late-Stuart townhouse, will be open to the public as part of Heritage Open Days 2022. A free shuttle bus will be running between the town centre and RHS Rosemoor where the Wardour Garrison, a 17th century living history group will be stationed for the weekend.
Come and join us in September and experience some of the fascinating history Great Torrington has to offer!