Information boards bring Bideford's history to life

Bideford residents and visitors can now learn about the town's fascinating past thanks to information boards that have been installed at two historically significant locations in the Little White Town.

Bideford's Torridge District Councillors, working with the Bideford 500 project, came up with the idea and the funding for the new boards, which have been installed at Chudleigh Fort in East-the-Water and by the Old Town Cemetery.

Both of the boards contain beautifully presented graphics and display a short written and pictorial history of each site using old pictures, drawings and photos, as well as photos of modern-day battle re-enactments and local wildlife.

Councillor Jane Whittaker, Torridge District Councillor and member of the Bideford 500 committee, said, 'We're delighted with the boards which have already become a talking point around the town. Did you know for example that the Old Town Cemetery contains graves of French Napoleonic prisoners of war, or that Chudleigh Fort in 1643 was the site of a civil war battle and surrender to the King's troops by Parliamentarians? Bideford's history is remarkable and unique, and working with fellow councillors and the Bideford 500 project we hope to make sure that it is not forgotten.'

Councillor Mervyn Langmead said, 'Children up by Chudleigh Fort love the pictures on the board there, and are fascinated by the history. It's one way of passing down the legacy of the town through the next generation.'

And Bideford Mayor and Torridge District Councillor Simon Inch added, 'This town has so much to offer with its historical heritage and bright future, I really hope people take time to look at these interpretation boards and like me, feel proud of Bideford.'