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28 October 2014
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Home town banner - Ashburton
Ashburton
Looking towards The Bullring at Ashburton
with Medieval Archway on the left
Devon Dialect expert, John Germon continues his tour if the ancient stannary town of Ashburton. John is very involved with his community, and is an expert on the history of Ashburton, so who better to take you on a guided tour.
SEE ALSO
A-Z of other Home Town features in Devon

Devon Dialect
WEB LINKS
Ashburton website

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FACTS

The town's past prosperity is based on tin mining and the woollen industry.

Ashburton is one of only four Stannary Towns in Devon.

Tin was mined in the area as far back as Roman times.

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Back now to the Bull Ring, Ashburton Museum is more than worth a visit. This building was at one time a brush factory. It holds a large collection of North American Indian artefacts as well as items of local interest.

Further along West Street you will pass the Methodist Church and just pass this is a medieval archway, which leads to the Recreation Ground. (Many things happen and have happened in the 'Rec' but it's probably better if I don't go into detail).

Just past this is St. Andrews Church with its magnificent tower which stands 92 feet high (Notice I still work in old money). If you want to know the metric measurement, don't ask me I do not have a clue!.

Churchyard
The impressive redwood trees
and monument in the church yard

Near the tower is a gravestone that serves as a reminder of the French Prisoners of War that were billeted here during the Napoleonic Wars.

Also make sure you see the ancient Parish Chest.

Back then to St. Lawrence Lane and you will come across the Chapel of St. Lawrence, which is one of Ashburton's oldest buildings.

It is a building well worth visiting and started life as a private chapel for the then Bishop of Exeter.

It was then a Grammar School and today the Portreeve, Courts Leet & Baron Jury use it for Law Day plus many other occasions and it really is worth a visit.

Royal Oak pub
Stop off at the pub when you visit - The Royal Oak is an Old Coaching House

This is a very brief insight into a very historic town. There are many other things to look out for - such as Horsemen on some of the roofs which indicated Civil War Safe Houses, St. Gudula's Well and The old Railway Station to name just a few.

Many houses originally had connections with the woollen trade. Look out for old cartwheel grooves in some of the back lanes.

Ashburton is an shoppers paradise with many antique and specialist shops. Plus you can visit all the other excellent shops, café's, restaurants and of course our PUBS!.

Uzl zee 'ee Dreckly

If you can add anything else about Ashburton please let us know, or, 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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