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{{Short description|Town in Devon, England}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2016}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
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|country = England
|country = England
|official_name= North Tawton
|official_name= North Tawton
|static_image= Town Hall, North Tawton, Devon - geograph.org.uk - 448506.jpg
|static_image_caption=[[North Tawton Town Hall]]
| population = 2,026
| population = 2,026
| population_ref = <ref name="popnstats">{{cite web|title=North Tawton Demographics (West Devon, England)|url=http://north-tawton.localstats.co.uk/census-demographics/england/south-west/west-devon/north-tawton|publisher=Qpzm|accessdate=8 July 2016}}</ref>
| population_ref = <ref name="popnstats">{{cite web|title=North Tawton Demographics (West Devon, England)|url=http://north-tawton.localstats.co.uk/census-demographics/england/south-west/west-devon/north-tawton|publisher=Qpzm|access-date=8 July 2016}}</ref>
|shire_district= [[West Devon]]
|shire_district= [[West Devon]]
| shire_county = [[Devon]]
| shire_county = [[Devon]]
Line 17: Line 20:
|coordinates = {{coord|50.8|-3.9|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates = {{coord|50.8|-3.9|display=inline,title}}
}}
}}
'''North Tawton''' is a small town in [[Devon]], England, situated on the river [[River Taw|Taw]]. It is administered by [[West Devon]] Council. The population of the [[electoral ward]] at the census 2011 was 2,026.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukcensusdata.com/north-tawton-e05003650#sthash.IDvqH1LZ.dpbs|title=Ward population 2011|accessdate= 17 February 2015}}</ref>
'''North Tawton''' is a small town in [[Devon]], England, situated on the river [[River Taw|Taw]]. It is administered by [[West Devon]] Council. The population of the [[electoral ward]] at the census 2011 was 2,026.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukcensusdata.com/north-tawton-e05003650#sthash.IDvqH1LZ.dpbs|title=Ward population 2011|access-date= 17 February 2015}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Romans crossed the River Taw at what is now Newland Mill, a little outside the present town, and established a succession of military camps there over the years. The Roman fort is believed to have had the name ''Nemetostatio'', meaning "The road-station of the sacred groves", and may have been located on the site of an ancient druidic sanctuary. It covered an area of roughly 600&nbsp;ft (185m) east-west by 390&nbsp;ft (120m), and was located adjoining the [[Roman road]] between ''[[Isca Dumnoniorum]]'' ([[Exeter]]) and [[Okehampton]]. In addition, the site of a temporary marching camp has been identified half a mile to the north.<ref>[http://www.roman-britain.org/places/nemetostatio.htm Nemetostatio at Roman-Britain.org] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920120317/http://www.roman-britain.org/places/nemetostatio.htm |date=20 September 2008 }}</ref>
Romans crossed the River Taw at what is now Newland Mill, a little outside the present town, and established a succession of military camps there over the years. The Roman fort is believed to have had the name ''Nemetostatio'', meaning "The road-station of the sacred groves", and may have been located on the site of an ancient druidic sanctuary. It covered an area of roughly 600&nbsp;ft (185m) east-west by 390&nbsp;ft (120m), and was located adjoining the [[Roman road]] between ''[[Isca Dumnoniorum]]'' ([[Exeter]]) and [[Okehampton]]. In addition, the site of a temporary marching camp has been identified half a mile to the north.<ref>[http://www.roman-britain.co.uk/places/nemetostatio/ Nemetostatio at Roman-Britain.co.uk]</ref>
[[Image:North Tawton railway station, Devon, 1970.jpg|left|thumb|230px|<center>North Tawton station in 1970.</center>]]
[[Image:North Tawton railway station, Devon, 1970.jpg|left|thumb|230px|{{center|North Tawton station in 1970.}}]]
By the time of the [[Domesday]] survey (1086), there were six farm / manor holdings in what is now North Tawton Parish, including that of Tawton which was the forerunner of the town we know today.
By the time of the [[Domesday]] survey (1086), there were six farm / manor holdings in what is now North Tawton Parish, including that of Tawton which was the forerunner of the town we know today.


St Peter's Church is first recorded in 1257. Only the tower of the present building dates from that time, with the rest being mostly 14th and 15th century. The tower is on the west and is topped by an oak-shingled spire. There are two aisles with granite arcades and a number of old benchends.<ref>Pevsner, N. (1952) ''North Devon''. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books; p. 131</ref>
St Peter's Church is first recorded in 1257. Only the tower of the present building dates from that time, with the rest being mostly 14th and 15th century. The tower is on the west and is topped by an oak-shingled spire. There are two aisles with granite arcades and a number of old benchends.<ref>Pevsner, N. (1952) ''North Devon''. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books; p. 131</ref>


[[Image:North Tawton railway station, Devon, 1969.jpg|left|thumb|230px|<center>North Tawton station in 1969</center>]]
[[Image:North Tawton railway station, Devon, 1969.jpg|left|thumb|230px|{{center|North Tawton station in 1969}}]]
North Tawton was already a market town by the end of the 12th century. Agriculture and the woollen industry provided the chief sources of employment for many centuries, but the former has much declined as a source of employment and the latter has gone altogether, the last town woollen mill closing in 1930.
North Tawton was already a market town by the end of the 12th century. Agriculture and the woollen industry provided the chief sources of employment for many centuries, but the former has much declined as a source of employment and the latter has gone altogether, the last town woollen mill closing in 1930.


The railway came to North Tawton in 1865. [[North Tawton railway station]] (now closed) lies a mile or two outside the town on the line from Exeter to Okehampton which continued on to Plymouth and Cornwall. It closed to through passenger traffic in 1968, although a shuttle service between [[Okehampton railway station|Okehampton]] and Exeter continued until 1972.
The railway came to North Tawton in 1865. [[North Tawton railway station]] (now closed) lies a mile or two outside the town on the line from Exeter to Okehampton which continued on to Plymouth and Cornwall. It closed to through passenger traffic in 1968, although a shuttle service between [[Okehampton railway station|Okehampton]] and Exeter continued until 1972. The latter recommenced in 2021 but with no intermediate stops between [[Crediton railway station|Crediton]] and Okehampton.


Bathe Pool, a grassy hollow near North Tawton, is said to fill with water at times of national crisis.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ash |first=Russell |date=1973 |title=Folklore, Myths and Legends of Britain |publisher=Reader's Digest Association Limited |page=160 |isbn=9780340165973 }}</ref>
Bathe Pool, a grassy hollow near North Tawton, is said to fill with water at times of national crisis.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ash |first=Russell |date=1973 |title=Folklore, Myths and Legends of Britain |publisher=Reader's Digest Association Limited |page=160 |isbn=9780340165973 }}</ref>

{{-}}


==Other notable buildings==
==Other notable buildings==
The former panier open air market (1849) later became a cinema. Broad Hall is a house dated 1680 but it incorporates the remains of a house of the 15th century. Burton Hall is a mid-Victorian villa which was brought from Norway. Cottles Barton is an Elizabethan manor house one mile south of the town.<ref>Pevsner, N. (1952) ''North Devon''. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books; p. 78, 131</ref>
The former [[Pannier Market|pannier]] open air market (1849) later became a cinema. Broad Hall is a house dated 1680 but it incorporates the remains of a house of the 15th century. Burton Hall is a mid-Victorian grade two timber house which was brought from Norway. Cottles Barton is an Elizabethan manor house one mile south of the town.<ref>Pevsner, N. (1952) ''North Devon''. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books; p. 78, 131</ref>
Newland Mill on the outside of the village used to be a former mill house; it was built circa 1814, contemporary with the mill, with mid-C19 additions. It was refurbished into living accommodations with the original watermill and wheelhouse incorporated.
Newland Mill on the outside of the village used to be a former mill house; it was built circa 1814, contemporary with the mill, with mid-C19 additions. It was refurbished into living accommodations with the original watermill and wheelhouse incorporated.


==Modern-day==
==Modern-day==
[[Image:North Tawtonmap 1946.png|thumb|right|250px|Map of North Tawton from 1946]]
[[Image:North Tawtonmap 1946.png|thumb|right|250px|Map of North Tawton from 1946]]
The town has become something of a centre for light industry. There are three significant employers in the town: the haulier Gregory Distribution, which grew from a local concern founded in the 1920s and now employs 300 locally, the Taw Valley Creamery—a cheese factory originally built by Express Dairies in 1974, employing over 100, and the pet products wholesaler Vital Pet Products, also employing over 100 people.
The town has become something of a centre for light industry. There are three significant employers in the town: the haulier Gregory Distribution, which grew from a local concern founded in the 1920s and now employs 300 locally, the Taw Valley Creamery—a cheese factory originally built by Express Dairies in 1974, employing over 100, and the pet products wholesaler Vital Pet Products, employing around 40 people.


The population currently stands at around 2,026.<ref name="popnstats"/> This is small for a "town", but as a former market town North Tawton has retained this title, and is designated a [[Post Town]] by the [[Royal Mail]].
The population currently stands at around 2,026.<ref name="popnstats"/> This is small for a "town", but as a former market town North Tawton has retained this title, and is designated a [[Post Town]] by the [[Royal Mail]].

Mia Carlsen noted barista and 4th place in the Norwegian Latte Championship 2020 visited in 2024


There are a number of bus services:
There are a number of bus services:
Line 50: Line 53:
*318 – Okehampton
*318 – Okehampton


==Notable people==
==Climate==


{{Weather box
===William Budd===
|location = North Wyke (1991–2020 averages) (extremes 1990–present)
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan high C = 7.9
|Feb high C = 8.2
|Mar high C = 10.1
|Apr high C = 12.6
|May high C = 15.5
|Jun high C = 18.3
|Jul high C = 19.9
|Aug high C = 19.8
|Sep high C = 17.7
|Oct high C = 14.1
|Nov high C = 10.8
|Dec high C = 8.5
|year high C = 13.6
|Jan low C = 2.9
|Feb low C = 2.6
|Mar low C = 3.6
|Apr low C = 4.9
|May low C = 7.4
|Jun low C = 10.1
|Jul low C = 12.1
|Aug low C = 12.3
|Sep low C = 10.4
|Oct low C = 8.2
|Nov low C = 5.5
|Dec low C = 3.4
|year low C = 7.0
|unit rain days= 1.0&nbsp;mm
|Jan rain mm = 118.7
|Feb rain mm = 90.0
|Mar rain mm = 79.1
|Apr rain mm = 66.6
|May rain mm = 65.2
|Jun rain mm = 61.8
|Jul rain mm = 60.0
|Aug rain mm = 70.4
|Sep rain mm = 71.0
|Oct rain mm = 113.1
|Nov rain mm = 118.4
|Dec rain mm = 129.2
|year rain mm= 1043.4
|Jan rain days = 15.9
|Feb rain days = 13.3
|Mar rain days = 12.9
|Apr rain days = 11.3
|May rain days = 10.6
|Jun rain days = 9.8
|Jul rain days = 10.2
|Aug rain days = 11.5
|Sep rain days = 10.7
|Oct rain days = 15.3
|Nov rain days = 16.9
|Dec rain days = 16.8
|year rain days= 155.2
|Jan sun = 54.5 |Jan percentsun =
|Feb sun = 75.1 |Feb percentsun =
|Mar sun = 111.9 |Mar percentsun =
|Apr sun = 163.1 |Apr percentsun =
|May sun = 193.8 |May percentsun =
|Jun sun = 191.6 |Jun percentsun =
|Jul sun = 184.7 |Jul percentsun =
|Aug sun = 160.0 |Aug percentsun =
|Sep sun = 142.5 |Sep percentsun =
|Oct sun = 102.7 |Oct percentsun =
|Nov sun = 63.4 |Nov percentsun =
|Dec sun = 51.1 |Dec percentsun =
|year sun = 1494.3
|source 1 = Met Office<ref name = metoffice>{{cite web
| url = https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/gbvru6ntd
| title = Bovey Tracey Climate Period: 1981–2010
| publisher = Met Office
| access-date = 11 November 2018
| archive-date = 12 November 2018
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181112021755/https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/gbvru6ntd
| url-status = live
}}</ref>
|source 2 = MSN<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/weather/records/bovey-traceyenglandunited-kingdom/we-city?q=bovey-tracey-england&form=PRWLAS&iso=GB&el=0rCVVOduIKLMJu1cHB7bBg==|title=Records and Averages|website=www.msn.com|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-date=24 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724113537/https://www.msn.com/en-gb/weather/records/bovey-traceyenglandunited-kingdom/we-city?q=bovey-tracey-england&form=PRWLAS&iso=GB&el=0rCVVOduIKLMJu1cHB7bBg%3D%3D|url-status=live}}</ref>
|date=November 2018}}

==Notable people==


The doctor [[William Budd]] (1811–1880) was born in the town, son of Samuel Budd, the local surgeon. His researches into the incidence of typhoid during an epidemic in the town led to him establishing that typhoid fever was spread contagiously, and in particular that the infection was excreted and could be contracted by drinking contaminated water. This discovery contributed to national improvements in public health through improved sanitation.
The doctor [[William Budd]] (1811–1880) was born in the town, son of Samuel Budd, the local surgeon. His researches into the incidence of typhoid during an epidemic in the town led to him establishing that typhoid fever was spread contagiously, and in particular that the infection was excreted and could be contracted by drinking contaminated water. This discovery contributed to national improvements in public health through improved sanitation.


The poet [[Ted Hughes]] (1930–1998) bought a house, [[Court Green]], in North Tawton, in 1961 with his then-wife [[Sylvia Plath]] (1932–1963), who lived there briefly with him until their separation in December 1962. After Plath's suicide, Ted Hughes moved his partner [[Assia Wevill]] into Court Green where Assia helped care for Hughes' and Plath's two children, [[Frieda Hughes|Frieda]] and [[Nicholas Hughes|Nicholas]]. In due course Hughes made North Tawton his permanent home, until his fatal [[myocardial infarction]] in a [[London Borough of Southwark|Southwark]], London, hospital on 28 October 1998, while undergoing treatment for [[colon cancer]].
===Ted Hughes / Sylvia Plath / Assia Wevill===


In 2005, North Tawton was used as the location for the filming of [[Jennifer Saunders]]' BBC television series ''[[Jam & Jerusalem]]''. The town represented the fictional Clatterford St Mary. St Peter's Church and [[North Tawton Town Hall]] featured prominently in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/articles/2005/10/13/jam_and_jerusalem_feature.shtml|title=Not just Jam and Jerusalem...|publisher=BBC|access-date=1 January 2022}}</ref>
The poet [[Ted Hughes]] (1930–1998) bought a house, [[Court Green]], in North Tawton in 1961 with his then-wife [[Sylvia Plath]] (1932–1963), who lived there briefly with him until their separation in December 1962. After Plath's suicide, Ted Hughes moved his partner [[Assia Wevill]] into Court Green where Assia helped care for Hughes' and Plath's two children, [[Frieda Hughes|Frieda]] and [[Nicholas Hughes|Nicholas]]. In due course Hughes made North Tawton his permanent home, until his fatal [[myocardial infarction]] in a [[London Borough of Southwark|Southwark]], London, hospital on 28 October 1998, while undergoing treatment for [[colon cancer]].


The nearby [[Den Brook Wind Farm]] and the residents local to it were featured in a four-part BBC documentary called ''Windfarm Wars''. Broadcast in 2011, the documentary covered the seven years of legal processes involved with the windfarm receiving planning permission.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.den-brook.co.uk/about-the-project/windfarm-wars.aspx |title=Den Brook Wind Farm – Renewable Energy project in Devon, UK &#124; ABOUT THE PROJECT &#124; Windfarm Wars |publisher=Den-brook.co.uk |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402193558/http://www.den-brook.co.uk/about-the-project/windfarm-wars.aspx |archive-date=2 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Jeremy Gibson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tv/2011/05/windfarm-wars.shtml |title=Blogs – TV Blog – Windfarm Wars: Filming the renewable energy debate in Devon |publisher=BBC |access-date=29 May 2013}}</ref> The windfarm was finally constructed in 2016.
==="Jam and Jerusalem" / Clatterford===

In 2005, North Tawton was chosen as the location for the filming of [[Jennifer Saunders]]' BBC television series ''[[Jam & Jerusalem]]''. The town represents the fictional Clatterford St Mary. The Church and Town Hall feature prominently in the series, and some of the acting 'extras' for the series were recruited locally.

===Windfarm Wars===

The nearby [[Den Brook Wind Farm]] and the residents local to it were featured in a four-part BBC documentary called ''Windfarm Wars''. Broadcast in 2011, the documentary covered the seven years of legal processes involved with the windfarm receiving planning permission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.den-brook.co.uk/about-the-project/windfarm-wars.aspx |title=Den Brook Wind Farm – Renewable Energy project in Devon, UK &#124; ABOUT THE PROJECT &#124; Windfarm Wars |publisher=Den-brook.co.uk |date= |accessdate=29 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Jeremy Gibson |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tv/2011/05/windfarm-wars.shtml |title=Blogs – TV Blog – Windfarm Wars: Filming the renewable energy debate in Devon |publisher=BBC |date= |accessdate=29 May 2013}}</ref> The windfarm was finally constructed in 2016.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
Alison Baker, David Hoare & Jean Shields, ''The Book of North Tawton: Celebrating An Ancient Market Town'' (Halsgrove, 2002, {{ISBN|1-84114-156-9}})
Alison Baker, David Hoare & Jean Shields, ''The Book of North Tawton: Celebrating An Ancient Market Town'' (Halsgrove, 2002, {{ISBN|1-84114-156-9}})


Line 75: Line 156:
* [https://www.northtawton.org North Tawton Community Website]
* [https://www.northtawton.org North Tawton Community Website]
* [http://www.northtawtontowncouncil.co.uk North Tawton Town Council]
* [http://www.northtawtontowncouncil.co.uk North Tawton Town Council]
* {{dmoz|/Regional/Europe/United_Kingdom/England/Devon/North_Tawton/}}


{{Devon}}
{{Devon}}
{{Devon parishes}}
{{Devon parishes}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:North Tawton| ]]
[[Category:North Tawton| ]]
Line 84: Line 166:
[[Category:Roman fortifications in Devon]]
[[Category:Roman fortifications in Devon]]
[[Category:Sylvia Plath]]
[[Category:Sylvia Plath]]
[[Category:Roman legionary fortresses in England]]
[[Category:Borough of West Devon]]
[[Category:Borough of West Devon]]

Latest revision as of 11:41, 19 November 2024

North Tawton
North Tawton is located in Devon
North Tawton
North Tawton
Location within Devon
Population2,026 [1]
OS grid referenceSX664017
District
Shire county
Region
CountryEngland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townNORTH TAWTON
Postcode districtEX20
Dialling code01837
PoliceDevon and Cornwall
FireDevon and Somerset
AmbulanceSouth Western
UK Parliament
List of places
UK
England
Devon
50°48′N 3°54′W / 50.8°N 3.9°W / 50.8; -3.9

North Tawton is a small town in Devon, England, situated on the river Taw. It is administered by West Devon Council. The population of the electoral ward at the census 2011 was 2,026.[2]

History

[edit]

Romans crossed the River Taw at what is now Newland Mill, a little outside the present town, and established a succession of military camps there over the years. The Roman fort is believed to have had the name Nemetostatio, meaning "The road-station of the sacred groves", and may have been located on the site of an ancient druidic sanctuary. It covered an area of roughly 600 ft (185m) east-west by 390 ft (120m), and was located adjoining the Roman road between Isca Dumnoniorum (Exeter) and Okehampton. In addition, the site of a temporary marching camp has been identified half a mile to the north.[3]

North Tawton station in 1970.

By the time of the Domesday survey (1086), there were six farm / manor holdings in what is now North Tawton Parish, including that of Tawton which was the forerunner of the town we know today.

St Peter's Church is first recorded in 1257. Only the tower of the present building dates from that time, with the rest being mostly 14th and 15th century. The tower is on the west and is topped by an oak-shingled spire. There are two aisles with granite arcades and a number of old benchends.[4]

North Tawton station in 1969

North Tawton was already a market town by the end of the 12th century. Agriculture and the woollen industry provided the chief sources of employment for many centuries, but the former has much declined as a source of employment and the latter has gone altogether, the last town woollen mill closing in 1930.

The railway came to North Tawton in 1865. North Tawton railway station (now closed) lies a mile or two outside the town on the line from Exeter to Okehampton which continued on to Plymouth and Cornwall. It closed to through passenger traffic in 1968, although a shuttle service between Okehampton and Exeter continued until 1972. The latter recommenced in 2021 but with no intermediate stops between Crediton and Okehampton.

Bathe Pool, a grassy hollow near North Tawton, is said to fill with water at times of national crisis.[5]

Other notable buildings

[edit]

The former pannier open air market (1849) later became a cinema. Broad Hall is a house dated 1680 but it incorporates the remains of a house of the 15th century. Burton Hall is a mid-Victorian grade two timber house which was brought from Norway. Cottles Barton is an Elizabethan manor house one mile south of the town.[6] Newland Mill on the outside of the village used to be a former mill house; it was built circa 1814, contemporary with the mill, with mid-C19 additions. It was refurbished into living accommodations with the original watermill and wheelhouse incorporated.

Modern-day

[edit]
Map of North Tawton from 1946

The town has become something of a centre for light industry. There are three significant employers in the town: the haulier Gregory Distribution, which grew from a local concern founded in the 1920s and now employs 300 locally, the Taw Valley Creamery—a cheese factory originally built by Express Dairies in 1974, employing over 100, and the pet products wholesaler Vital Pet Products, employing around 40 people.

The population currently stands at around 2,026.[1] This is small for a "town", but as a former market town North Tawton has retained this title, and is designated a Post Town by the Royal Mail.

Mia Carlsen noted barista and 4th place in the Norwegian Latte Championship 2020 visited in 2024

There are a number of bus services:

  • 5B – Barnstaple to Exeter
  • 5A – Okehampton / Hatherleigh to Exeter
  • 318 – Okehampton

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for North Wyke (1991–2020 averages) (extremes 1990–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 7.9
(46.2) 		8.2
(46.8) 		10.1
(50.2) 		12.6
(54.7) 		15.5
(59.9) 		18.3
(64.9) 		19.9
(67.8) 		19.8
(67.6) 		17.7
(63.9) 		14.1
(57.4) 		10.8
(51.4) 		8.5
(47.3) 		13.6
(56.5)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 2.9
(37.2) 		2.6
(36.7) 		3.6
(38.5) 		4.9
(40.8) 		7.4
(45.3) 		10.1
(50.2) 		12.1
(53.8) 		12.3
(54.1) 		10.4
(50.7) 		8.2
(46.8) 		5.5
(41.9) 		3.4
(38.1) 		7.0
(44.6)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 118.7
(4.67) 		90.0
(3.54) 		79.1
(3.11) 		66.6
(2.62) 		65.2
(2.57) 		61.8
(2.43) 		60.0
(2.36) 		70.4
(2.77) 		71.0
(2.80) 		113.1
(4.45) 		118.4
(4.66) 		129.2
(5.09) 		1,043.4
(41.08)
Average rainy days (≥ 1.0 mm) 15.9 13.3 12.9 11.3 10.6 9.8 10.2 11.5 10.7 15.3 16.9 16.8 155.2
Mean monthly sunshine hours 54.5 75.1 111.9 163.1 193.8 191.6 184.7 160.0 142.5 102.7 63.4 51.1 1,494.3
Source 1: Met Office[7]
Source 2: MSN[8]

Notable people

[edit]

The doctor William Budd (1811–1880) was born in the town, son of Samuel Budd, the local surgeon. His researches into the incidence of typhoid during an epidemic in the town led to him establishing that typhoid fever was spread contagiously, and in particular that the infection was excreted and could be contracted by drinking contaminated water. This discovery contributed to national improvements in public health through improved sanitation.

The poet Ted Hughes (1930–1998) bought a house, Court Green, in North Tawton, in 1961 with his then-wife Sylvia Plath (1932–1963), who lived there briefly with him until their separation in December 1962. After Plath's suicide, Ted Hughes moved his partner Assia Wevill into Court Green where Assia helped care for Hughes' and Plath's two children, Frieda and Nicholas. In due course Hughes made North Tawton his permanent home, until his fatal myocardial infarction in a Southwark, London, hospital on 28 October 1998, while undergoing treatment for colon cancer.

In 2005, North Tawton was used as the location for the filming of Jennifer Saunders' BBC television series Jam & Jerusalem. The town represented the fictional Clatterford St Mary. St Peter's Church and North Tawton Town Hall featured prominently in the series.[9]

The nearby Den Brook Wind Farm and the residents local to it were featured in a four-part BBC documentary called Windfarm Wars. Broadcast in 2011, the documentary covered the seven years of legal processes involved with the windfarm receiving planning permission.[10][11] The windfarm was finally constructed in 2016.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "North Tawton Demographics (West Devon, England)". Qpzm. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  2. ^ "Ward population 2011". Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  3. ^ Nemetostatio at Roman-Britain.co.uk
  4. ^ Pevsner, N. (1952) North Devon. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books; p. 131
  5. ^ Ash, Russell (1973). Folklore, Myths and Legends of Britain. Reader's Digest Association Limited. p. 160. ISBN 9780340165973.
  6. ^ Pevsner, N. (1952) North Devon. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books; p. 78, 131
  7. ^ "Bovey Tracey Climate Period: 1981–2010". Met Office. Archived from the original on 12 November 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  8. ^ "Records and Averages". www.msn.com. Archived from the original on 24 July 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  9. ^ "Not just Jam and Jerusalem..." BBC. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  10. ^ "Den Brook Wind Farm – Renewable Energy project in Devon, UK | ABOUT THE PROJECT | Windfarm Wars". Den-brook.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2 April 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  11. ^ Jeremy Gibson. "Blogs – TV Blog – Windfarm Wars: Filming the renewable energy debate in Devon". BBC. Retrieved 29 May 2013.

Further reading

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Alison Baker, David Hoare & Jean Shields, The Book of North Tawton: Celebrating An Ancient Market Town (Halsgrove, 2002, ISBN 1-84114-156-9)

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