EPW039893 ENGLAND (1932). Bideford Bridge, the River Torridge and the town, Bideford, 1932

Northam Road crossing / halt on what was the Bideford, Appledore and Westward Ho! railway.

Marsh Farm

Rockmount Terrace, Pitt Lane

A present day shop front No. 7 High Street-taken this year

The Tarka Trail walking and cycle route partly follows the course of the North Devon Railway, which, for a considerable distance, closely followed the line of the river. South of Bideford the railway crossed from one bank to the other, and the Trail provides a good vantage point for viewing the river.

The River Torridge is the home of Tarka the Otter in Henry Williamson's book. The Torridge local government district is named after the river. The river rises close to the border with Cornwall (north of the source of the River Tamar)and flows generally east and is joined by the River Waldon, then heads east past Black Torrington and Sheepwash. It is joined by the River Lew near Hatherleigh, and then by the River Okement near Meeth. It then flows northwards, picking up the River Mere south of Beaford. After this it makes tight bends, and goes past Little Torrington and Great Torrington heading generally north-west. It is joined by the River Yeo at Pillmouth, and then becomes estuarine by Bideford. Between Appledore and Instow it joins the estuary of the River Taw and enters Bideford Bay. The Tarka Trail walking and cycle route partly follows the course of the North Devon Railway, which, for a considerable distance, closely followed the line of the river. South of Bideford the railway crossed from one bank to the other, and the Trail provides a good vantage point for viewing the river.

The Long Bridge. It is claimed that the first bridge was built in the 14th century by Sir Theobald Grenville. The present structure is supposed to be of 15th century construction, but includes much later repairs, for example in 1638, and was widened in 1865.It has 24 arches all of different sizes. The traditional explanation is that each arch was funded by a different local guild, although there are no records to confirm this. Another theory is that the piers of the arches of the bridge were built on naturally existing and therefore randomly situated large stones in the river. A former New Year's Eve tradition was to try to run across the Long Bridge during the time taken for the bells of St. Mary's parish church to chime midnight

An interesting sign of the times as a horse pulling a cart, cars and lorries use the bridge.

This was a toy and gift shop in the late fifties.

Up from Exeter St David's and the exit from Bideford station. Always a magical time as it signified the start of our summer holiday and I don't ever remember it raining! I recall how old the waiting room, furniture and fittings looked in the late fifties and how it smelt of stale cigarette smoke. I doubt if much had changed in the 25 years since this photo was taken.

A garage then and still a garage/dealership business today.

Kingsley Road leading to Westward Ho!

The Sports Ground. The home of Bideford Town AFC, founded in 1946 and currently in the Premier Division of the Southern League.

Bideford Quay. By the 16th century Bideford had become Britain's third largest port. Sir Walter Raleigh landed his first shipment of tobacco here, although, contrary to popular belief, he was not the first to import tobacco to England.