My wife and I were treated to a very interesting guided walk around Tavistock, thanks to members of their local U3A. We are members of Teign U3A, and had been invited by their association to visit this historic town.
It’s an ancient stannary town, having built its wealth on the mining of tin and copper. It was first founded by monks who built an abbey there (little remains today) in 961.It thrived for many years before Henry V111 took a hand in 1539. It subsequently recovered thanks to investment by the Russell family, Dukes of Bedford, and is reknowned as the birthplace of Francis Drake.
The architecture of many buildings is fascinating, and the town centre an excellent stop for shopping, especially its pannier market, the charter for which was bestowed by Henry 1 in 1105. There is lots to see, pleasant walks by the river and canal, and plenty of history to discover. There is also lots to do in the area for those who visit this part of Devon.
“Town website”:http://www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/
