Six Sensational Things To Do In Tavistock

Sep 9
16:45

2011

Daniel Kidd

Daniel Kidd

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Tavistock is an ancient stannary town with Saxon beginnings. The charming market town lies on the south-west edge of Dartmoor National Park, 15 miles north of the maritime city of Plymouth.

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Britain's great seafarer hero,Six Sensational Things To Do In Tavistock Articles Sir Francis Drake, was born at Crowndale Farm, just south of Tavistock, in 1542. A fine statue of him can be seen not far from the town centre, on the road to Plymouth, the port from which he set sail to confront and beat the Spanish Armada.

The name "Tavistock" derives from "Tavy", the River on which the town lies, and "stock" indicating that the town became a prominent agricultural market for the area, after its progressive development around a Benedictine Abbey, founded in AD974. Tavistock is twinned with Celle in Northern Germany and with Pontivy in Central Brittany, France.

The community and subsequent town of Tavistock progressively developed around its magnificent and rich Benedictine Abbey, founded in 974 AD by Ordulph, Earl of Devonshire (brother-in- law of King Edgar) and built at the side of the River Tavy.
The Abbey was very considerably damaged and burnt in 997 AD by Vikings who had sailed up the River Tamar from what is now Plymouth and had reached as far inland as the Saxon town of Lydford, before turning southwards to Tavistock. But the Abbey was soon rebuilt and then lasted as a very important religious centre of the SW of England until the "Dissolution of the Monasteries" order of King Henry VIII in 1539.

There are plenty of walks in and around Tavistock from easy strolls to strenuous hikes across the many near tors, but the one thing that is in abundance in all the walks is the scenery, wildlife and people you come across.

Here a six things to do when you visit tavistock

1) Visit the pannier market next to Bedford Square. You'll find a range of eclectic stalls with a range of products on offer from paintings to locally produced foods, from hand crafted pottery to pet supplies!

2) Tavistock fishery has some fantastic trout fishing in well stocked lakes. Spend an early morning going after a trophy or book into a quiet chalet and take a more gentlemanly approach, fishing at your leisure.

3) Check out the towns first comedy club "The Laughing Stock", open on Thursday nights at Ordulph. Tickets are only £8. 4) Catch some live music at the Wharf. Tavistock Wharf is a great little venue that hosts a selection of theatre, films, and live music.

4) The Tavistock Charter Tree in Bedford Square was designed, made, and erected by local artist Rosie Fierek in 2007 to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Market Charter in 1005 by Henry I. The trunk, starting from the base and working upwards, depicts the history of Tavistock over the last 1000 years.

5) Stroll the "high street" - from West Street via Bedford Square and through to Duke Street and Brook Street - plenty of independent shops, cafes and a couple of restaurants

6) Visit Crebers - Tavistock's famous 125-year-old traditional grocer and delicatessen. It's worth a visit simply for the lovely smell of freshly roast coffee beans!




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