News

Although the newspaper was ‘free’, the overseas subscribers did pay for postage! As you know from these articles, the Museum holds many historic copies of the Tiverton Gazette. The first edition appeared in April 1858 under the editorship of a young man, Robert Were....

In early December 1924, two adverts for banks appeared in the Gazette. They are both names which are still recognisable today. The Tiverton & District Directory of 1923, which we hold in our Library, indicates that as well as these two banks there were branches of...

Richard COSWAY was baptised in Oakford in November 1742, the son of Richard and Mary. It soon became clear that, even as a young child, he had real artistic flair. He went to London, aged 12 to develop his talents and, while studying, won several prizes. He painted in...

We're looking to recruit a fixed term, part time Administrator. The post holder will support the management of our volunteer team, and support our small staff team. This role involves responding to initial enquiries from potential volunteers, organising volunteer...

At the end of November, adverts were beginning to appear to tempt shoppers in the lead up to Christmas.   There was obviously competition between shops which sold ingredients for seasonal recipes!   Some Exeter businesses advertised in the surrounding, local...

The Tiverton Gazette, at the beginning of November 1924, devoted two whole pages to the local and regional results of the General Election which was held on October 29th. Villages also celebrated the victory. In 1924 the turnout was a massive 90%. In this year’s...

For the fourth time in two years, Mid Devon prepared for a General Election. The election of November 1922 was followed by two during 1923. The result in December 1923 was a majority of just 3 for the Liberals after a recount of the 24,600 votes cast. The Tiverton...

This year the Devon County Library Service is celebrating it’s centenary. In October 1924, the Tiverton Gazette had a small piece on the Rural Library centres which were to be established. Services were to be offered, amongst others, in Lapford, Morchard Bishop, Bow,...

Who would think that Lazenby Road could trace its name back to a Fish Sauce recipe donated to Elizabeth Lazenby in London in 1793? Through at least four generations of the family, the sauce and pickle company they formed became highly profitable and was eventually...

In 1921, Mabel Bessie Ellerton was living with her parents at 4 Ailsa Terrace. She was born on the 8th April 1876 and baptised at St Peter’s. Her father, John Francis was also born in the town and had been a grocer in Fore Street and very active in the local...

It is reassuring that four of the books advertised in the Gazette of late August 1924 are among the Museum’s archive collection. We also have several dialect stories by ‘Jan Stewer’. As well as one of the well known people going to Widdicombe Fair, it was the pen name...

Number 7 on our Photographic Tiverton Trail is based at 2 Bridge Street, now home to Unite Carers in Mid Devon. The image shows the building when it was occupied by Henson’s tailors and outfitters. We know that Henry Henson’s business was in operation by 1880 as we...