Tower Street
This is a very early example of a pedestrianised street and has some varied and interesting architectural styles and miniature gardens. Near the top there is a fork, take the left branch and stop at the junction with Buttgarden Street. Take a look at the curiously shaped triangular house on the right. This is a good example of how houses were built on every available piece of land.
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 Buttgarden Street
The street dates from 1670 and it is believed that its development came about because of a booming tobacco trade that Bideford once enjoyed.
During the 17th and 18th centuries Bideford’s very strong links with the new American colonies led to tobacco becoming a major import. By the end of the 17th century Bideford had a whole fleet of tobacco ships and in the decade 1722-31 8.5 million pounds of tobacco passed through the port. The tobacco had to be stored and not only was the Quay heavily congested but it was also considered too damp for the storage of this valuable cargo. A drier site away from the Quay was needed and Buttgarden Street was suitable.
A number of the double fronted houses on the street, such as the one opposite St Mary’s flats, are traditionally considered to have been tobacco warehouses.
Before you leave the street take a look at the Art Nouveau lady in number 15’s doorway.
Make your way along the street to the Market Square.
Buttgarden St and Art Noveau lady 2009 © Dave Green |
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This work Copyright © by Bideford 500 is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
