Self Catering Accommodation
Appledore, Bideford, North Devon
01237 420031
enquiries@surfbaylodge.co.uk History of Bideford
A Little History of Bideford
Bideford dates back to Roman times which became an important port by the 13th Centaury. A wooden bridge was erected in 1286 to connect the East and West of the town which was replace in 1474 by a brick built version. The newer bridge was built from donations from local business people with 24 arches. The different sized arches reflected in the different financial donations given to build each arch.
In the 16th Century Sir Walter Raleigh landed the first tobacco shipment at the harbour and Cromwell was supported by the majority of the local Yeomen and traders during the Civil War. The King’s forces won the Fort of Appledore in 1643 which was taken back a year later by Fairfax.
The Port of Bideford was granted a Charter by Queen Elizabeth to trade with Virginia and Carolina. Devon men such as Raleigh, Drake, Grenville and the Gilberts all helped to make Bideford a thriving Port and the town a very wealthy place.
