FEATURE
Etching by J Coney 1820
Tavistock Guildhall On Saturday 4 December Tavistock’s newly restored and converted Guildhall will be re-opening its doors as a new heritage visitor attraction. The new heritage centre will tell the story of Tavistock as the eastern gateway to the Cornwall & West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors will discover how mining transformed Tavistock in the 19th century, and learn about the multi-faceted industrial landscape of the region, as well as what it means to be a World Heritage Site town. Visitors will be able to hear the stories of the men and women who worked and lived in the region. They will understand the far-reaching influence of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford on the town and surrounding area, and discover the 7th Duke’s role in bringing law and order to Tavistock by commissioning
one of the country’s earliest purposebuilt combined courtrooms and police stations in 1848, a building which also housed the town’s fire engine house. The guildhall became a pioneer in the development of the modern police and justice system and the perfectly preserved Victorian cells and imposing tiered courtroom will showcase moments from the history of the town and its iconic building. As well as being a heritage centre, the rejuvenated Grade II* listed building will also provide a venue for a variety of cultural and community events throughout the year ranging from talks, courses, exhibitions, concerts and performances, as well as being home to the town’s enlarged
Visitor Information Centre. The new Guildhall Heritage Centre is being run by Tavistock Heritage Trust in partnership with Tavistock Town Council. So, what is the story behind the imposing neo-Gothic edifice that has formed the centre point of the town for the past 173 years? Back in the early decades of the 19th century, both the newly appointed chief of police in Tavistock and the local magistrates shared a rather draughty and decaying 300-year-old guild building situated where the town hall stands today. In 1845 the exasperated clerk to the justices, Robert Luxton, told a parliamentary enquiry that the old
Festive Feasting 3 course Festive Lunch £25 • 3 course Festive Dinner £31
Three delicious courses, featuring the best local ingredients of the season. Traditional roast turkey and all the trimmings, naturally, plus other delicious choices.
The Bedford Hotel In the heart of Tavistock
6
www.bedford-hotel.co.uk 01822 613221
1 Plymouth Road | Tavistock PL19 8BB
