Tiverton has a long and proud housing history starting in the 16th century. John Greenway and John Waldron, both wealthy, but philanthropic, wool merchants, built their almshouses, looked after today, by the Tiverton Almshouse Trust. In the early 17th century, George Slee, another merchant originally from Coldridge built his almshouses on Angel Terrace. Fast-forward a few centuries, in 1919, the Addison Act placed responsibilities on Local Authorities, with Government grants, to build much needed social housing. Tiverton celebrated the centenary of the Act in 2019 with the houses built in Turner Rise.
However, this advert in the Gazette in April 1924, was aiming to add money to the Borough’s finances by selling plots of land. The Ordnance Survey maps available on-line from the National Library of Scotland show the development of Norwood Road and Barton Road, then very much in the country!
Housing Scheme newspaper extract 1924
Amongst the Museum’s collection are many plans and various documentation relating to tenancy.
Plan for the Tidcombe Rectory Housing Scheme 1962
Development of Pinnex Moor 1964
Written by Museum Volunteer Sue B.