The River Exe at Tiverton

Part of the attraction for me lies in the industrial nature and character that so strongly ties it to the North of England, so much so that parts of it resemble a chunk of brick masonry dropped into the heart of the green Devon countryside.

The View from Tiverton Fore Street

Much of this does relate to the endeavours of Mr Heathcoat who escaped the 1816 luddites in Loughborough with a few wool frames and set up in Tiverton.

No doubt he enjoyed the cheaper costs of employing and training the local people, creating sufficient wealth to sustain the town and also build the mansion of 'Knightshayes' on a spot where he could see the chimneys of his mills smoking on arising.

I enjoy visiting the more beautiful areas as well, such as the Great Western Canal country park and the parks in Westexe and Park Road.

St Peter's Church

One outstanding feature of the town which I hope will never change is the view of nearby fields on steep hills from the town centre.

Tiverton Castle, St. Peters Church and Knightshayes itself all have their own charm and well reward any time spent there.

In recent years the bustle in the town has been calmed by pedestrianisation, with rich new estates built around it's edges now contributing to the eclectic mix of old and new.

Tiverton Town Hall

The many local characters still go about their way, less in number but always contributing to an atmosphere where the past mixes with everyday life. It's this interaction with the myriad of organisations and personalities that makes living here so rewarding.

If you live in Tiverton and want to comment on any of John's observations please feel free to email us with your views at devon.online@bbc.co.uk

If you would like to extol the virtues of your Home Town drop us a line and tell us all about it.
E-mail us at devon.online@bbc.co.uk

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