Sentinel of English history
Situated on a natural cliff overlooking the Torridge Valley Great Torrington est une ville de marché dont l’atmosphère semble figée dans le temps. Moins maritime que sa cousine bretonne, elle compense par une intensité historique rare, ayant été le théâtre de certains des épisodes les plus dramatiques de l’histoire britannique.
Creation :
A strategic stronghold
The origin of the city dates back to Saxon times (Toritona). Its elevated position made it an ideal natural defensive site. In the Middle Ages, it becames a prosperous market town. A castle was erected there to monitor the valley, and although only grassy mounds remain today (The « Castle Mound »), the circular structure of the city center still bears witness to this fortified medieval past.
The Maritime and Industrial Past : Gloves and Clay
Although located inland, Great Torrington has maintained close links to maritime trades via the Torridge River.
Ball Clay : the area is rich in high quality clay mined nearby and transported by rail (now the Tarka Trail) to be shipped by sea for Staffordshire fine pottery.
The glove industry :It was once the nerve of glove making in England. Thousands of pairs of leather gloves were made here, then exported through the neighboring ports of Bideford and Barnstaple throughout the British Empire.
