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The
Square in Tavistock is named after the Dukes of Bedford
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The Stannary town
of Tavistock occupies a unique position between two majestic natural features,
Dartmoor and the River Tamar.
It's site on the fast
flowing River Tavy was decided in AD 974 when a Benedictine Abbey was
founded here. A community grew up outside its great gates which in time
gained market rights and borough status. It can also lay claim to giving
england one of it's most famous sons, Sir Francis Drake.
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Members
of the local History Society at the entrance to the medieval abbey
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Tavistock remained
totally dependent on the wealth of the Abbey, the benevolence of the monks
and the good will of the abbot. The closing of the monasteries in 1539
brought a change of ownership.
The monastic lands
and properties were given by the King to John Russell, the ancestor of
a long line of Earls,and later Dukes of Bedford.The
dynasty continued to control the fortunes of the town until the early
years of the twentieth century.
Indelible marks from
these two long periods were left by successive abbots and then Dukes.
Those thumb-prints are still clear for all to see.
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Gerry's
favourite view in Tavistock looking towards the moors
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Personally my favourite
part of Tavistock is looking eastward down West Street towards the town
centre with the glorious view of Dartmoor in the distance.
One final thought,
but a very important one - Tavistock has the most beautiful cricket ground
in England.
Do
YOU agree with Gerry's view of his home town of Tavistock? Have you any
memories or facts you could add. Let us know by email devon.online@bbc.co.uk
| Dear Gerry,
Thank you for the article on Tavistock. I lived in the town from
1970-1975 as a child and loved it. I now live in the U.S. and have
been back to Tavistock a few times. The town holds such wonderful
memories for me and I have to say I do miss it. I wish I still lived
there. I rememebr Goosey Fair, Boxing Day Hunt, Market Day (Friday),
Point-to-Point at Kilworthy Hill and many other memories. Can you
tell me if they still fly the American Flag on July 4th and if so
when did they get the flag they now fly? |
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Andrea
Gavin
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If
you would like to extol the virtues of your Home Town drop
us a line and tell us why.
E-mail us at devon.online@bbc.co.uk
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