Ivybridge

took its name from ‘ye bridge which lieth over ye Erme, being much inclined to ivy’.

Sir William Pole, Devon historian.

Welcome to Ivybridge Uncovered

A Mill Town Heritage

The Ivybridge Heritage & Archives Group aims to celebrate the rich history of Ivybridge and is dedicated to promoting a lively interest in the Town’s background and development by researching, collecting and preserving archives and photographic records of this unique Mill Town.

The Ivybridge Heritage & Archives Group aims to celebrate the rich history of Ivybridge and is dedicated to promoting a lively interest in the Town’s background and development by researching, collecting and preserving archives and photographic records of this unique Mill Town.

LogoIH

The Ivybridge Heritage & Archives Group aims to celebrate the rich history of Ivybridge and is dedicated to promoting a lively interest in the Town’s background and development by researching, collecting and preserving archives and photographic records of this unique Mill Town.

LogoIH

The Ivybridge Heritage & Archives Group aims to celebrate the rich history of Ivybridge and is dedicated to promoting a lively interest in the Town’s background and development by researching, collecting and preserving archives and photographic records of this unique Mill Town.

There is not in the west of England a spot more remarkable for pleasing scenery than Ivybridge … The torrent rushing over massive boulders of rock, and the venerable bridge mantled with ivy, are present in a luxuriance of wild comeliness, marred only by the architectural vagaries of man … beneath the viaduct is a paper mill, with its elongated chimney, that, diverting the river Erme from its natural bed, uses it for its particular wants, and returns it again to the old channel. Despite the blemishes, the townlet of Ivybridge preserves its quaint character of beauty. The river hurries on, foaming between rows of well-built houses; the surrounding villas are tastily planned, and the walks and gardens on the banks of the brawling stream give an original and secluded appearance to this attractive place. Close to the ancient bridge, with its portal almost opening upon the parapet, is situated the London Hotel, the most comfortable wayside hostelry in the South Hams district, with excellent rooms, a terraced garden behind, commanding a fine view of the moor and valley, and furnishing a cuisine plentifully supplied with trout which may be relieved by the adjunct of a bottle of sound old port.

A description of Ivybridge from 1866

Bazaar and Fancy Fair in Ivybridge 1861

On Friday 9th August 1861 a Bazaar and Fancy Fair was hosted by John Widdicombe at Torrhill, a substantial property with adjoining grounds on the outskirts of Ivybridge.

 

The well-publicised 2 day event in Ivybridge was organised to raise funds for the 4th Devon Mounted Rifles, a volunteer Light Horse corps based in Modbury. Having been a volunteer himself, Mr Widdecombe was more than happy to lend his support. The enthusiasm for the volunteer movement resulted from Britain’s fear of a French invasion prompted by deteriorating Anglo-French relations. There were many Rifle and Mounted Rifle Volunteer Corps composed of part-time soldiers eager to supplement the Regular Army in time of need, essentially the green shoots of the Territorial Army. The 4th (Modbury) Devonshire Mounted Rifle Volunteers (DMRV) were raised on 20 April 1860 and were led by Captain John Bulteel. Although many of these volunteers up and down the country had to supply their own weapons, an application was made to the Government from Modbury for the men to be supplied with Short Enfield muzzle loading rifle-muskets and bayonet but owing to the great demand from the regular army they were supplied with Long Enfields (Pattern 1853 Enfields).

 

Often the busiest stall at a Fancy Fair was the refreshment stall and as quoted in a publication in 1880 ‘the holders should be chosen with much care, or but indifferent results will ensue’. They were always sited in a prominent location as they usually ‘proved very remunerative’.

 

The sale of ‘fancy articles’ was held in a large marquee with stalls presided over by Lady Elizabeth Bulteel. She was the mother of Captain John Bulteel and wife of the late John Crocker Bulteel of Fleet House, a former Whig MP for South Devon (1832-1834) and the Sheriff of Devon in 1841. Whilst there were a number of ladies from the local gentry many of the helpers appeared to have family members serving in the voluntary corps. The stalls contained a wide assortment of articles and according to the newspaper report ‘a tolerably large amount of business was done’. In the same tent were two large revolving stereoscopes which were ‘much patronised by the youngsters’. Employing a pair of stereocards incorporating two flat images, a stereoscope would merge the two images to create the illusion of depth. Other tents showed poultry, flowers, fruit and vegetables.

 

As the bazaar was in aid of a volunteer rifle corps it was deemed appropriate to have a rifle range. This apparently was located at one end of the ground and ‘entirely out of danger’. Other attractions on the day included a ‘rather unusual tent in which fortunes were told’ whilst ‘two very smartly dressed Aunt Sally representatives proved as attractive as remunerative’ with throws costing a penny. Originally the Aunt Sally target practice game comprised of a modelled head of an old woman with a clay pipe in her mouth and the object was to throw sticks at the head in order to break the pipe. We perhaps better remember the character from the popular Worzel Gummidge television series. Several running and jumping competitions took place during the day for the children whilst the Band of the Devon Mounted Rifles in their smart grey uniforms ‘greatly enlivened the proceedings’.

 

Of the numerous raffles which took place, the stand out one had a first prize of a donkey. With tickets costing 1 shilling the animal was won on the day by none other than the host, John Widdicombe. He kindly placed it back into the raffle for the following day, permitting the sale of a further 30 tickets. Just before the draw on the Saturday it was documented that the donkey was tested for its speed and ‘afforded considerable amusement by the ease with which its unseated its riders in which accomplishment its was nearly equal to the clown’s donkey’.

 

At six o’clock on the Saturday a dense fog set in and the bazaar was brought to a close. A reported sum of just over £140 was raised on the Friday alone and one would assume a similar amount was collected the following day.

Charity Bazaars

or what was called ‘fancy fairs’ emerged in England during the early nineteenth century. They were generally organised by middle and upper class women who had the time and means to put their energy into such endeavours. Their purpose was often to raise funds for a charity or voluntary organisation as the need for private philanthropy was great, especially in urban areas during these times.

 

Fancy fairs took a lot of preparation and would generally have lasted between one to three days. They comprised of stalls selling donated hand crafted embroideries and other similar items including baby’s shoes, children’s petticoats, tea-cosies, bangles, baskets and even sealed envelopes containing a surprise. Refreshment tents were often provided whilst raffles and other amusements helped to augment funds. Additional attractions such as musicians, magicians or fortune tellers enhanced the experience.

Dress to impress

The 1860s was the age of the cage crinoline. Women wore fitted bodices with a variety of sleeve styles and a full length wide skirt. There was also a trend for skirts paired with blouses for casual daytime wear, especially for young women. Hats were worn at the centre of the head, and were generally low-crowned often featuring a wide or narrow brim.

 

Menswear by contrast was marked by an oversized appearance, with loosely-cut jackets and wide, tubular trousers. Facial hair was fashionable including trim beards, moustaches, and frequently, long side-whiskers we all know as ‘muttonchops’. The silk top hat remained the predominant choice although the rounded bowler hat was more frequently seen and flat-crowned straws were worn in summer.

 

Boys wore long trousers and a variety of jackets. Knickerbockers, trousers that buckled below the knee, had been introduced for young boys whilst the sailor suit, with its distinctive square collar and V-neck opening, was also a common choice for small boys.

 

Young girls were often dressed as miniature adults, their dresses shortened to reveal their pantalettes. Girls’ dresses could feature all the pleats and trims of adult fashions.

 

The Lady’s Bazaar & Fancy Fair Book published in 1880 gave advice for stall holders regarding suitable attire for the day:

‘The dress of the stallholder should always be as neat and simple as possible. Heavy materials, profuse trimmings, trains, and fringes encumber and harass the wearer, making her hot, tired, and dusty; the fringes catch in everything, the trains are continually in the way, and the thickness of the dress makes the whole business weary work’.

Mr John Widdicombe

Mr Widdicombe was a leading auctioneer and land agent and well-known in the district. He was instrumental in re-establishing a monthly livestock market which opened in January 1862 on a plot of land adjoining the school on Station Road. John Widdicombe was also the director of the showyard for the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society for a number of years. This society aimed to promote and improve animal husbandry and show case farm implements and country crafts. His ‘well-known business abilities and rectitude of character won for him golden opinions from all who came into contact with him’.

 

Within a few years of the Fancy Fair John Widdicombe’s failing eyesight deteriorated significantly and prevented him from working. A testimonial held in 1865 raised an incredible £306 demonstrating his popularity. The money was spent on a very large silver salver, a dinner service, a tea and coffee service and a fine portrait of Mr Widdicombe by the accomplished artist Sydney Hodges. Interestingly anyone subscribing more than £1 was entitled to a lithograph of the portrait by Day & Day, Lithographers of London. Perhaps one day one will turn up! An inscription on the salver read ‘ Presented to John Widdicombe, Torrhill, Ivybridge, by his friends in the West of England… in testimony of the high estimation in which his character and services have been held during the past 20 years. Oct. 1865’. He sadly died on 27th October 1871, just 48 years old.

Interested in the history of Ivybridge and want to know more?

Ivybridge Heritage & Archives Group have a number of publications available for purchase at The Watermark in Ivybridge. Each one is priced at £3.

Booklet - Ivybridge Explored

Ivybridge Explored – this 28 page booklet provides an historical review of the churches, public houses and infrastructure of Ivybridge including the Ivy Bridge from whence the town derived its name.

Booklet - Ivybridge Researched

Ivybridge Researched – this 28 page booklet provides a review of some of the notable events, people and businesses which have shaped the history of this town.

Booklet - Stowford Paper Mill 1869

Stowford Paper Mill 1869 – this 20 page booklet is composed of a series of three newspaper articles published in 1869 which provide an insight into the workings of the paper mill at this time, describing the equipment and the methods used in manufacturing paper.

Booklet - Stowford Mill 1787-2013

Stowford Paper Mill Ivybridge 1787-2013 – this 28 page booklet provides a chronological account of paper making at this historic site in Ivybridge from the once privately owned mill to the later one which was part of a multi-national company.

Booklet - Ivybridge and the Americans during WWII

Ivybridge and the Americans during World War II – this 28 page booklet provides a wealth of interesting facts regarding the American servicemen who were billeted in Ivybridge from 1943 in the build up to D-Day.

May23.14

Lily of the Valley is one of the birth flowers of May, symbolising purity, youth, sincerity, and discretion. The other birth flower is the Hawthorn which symbolises hope and happiness.

 

The Lily of the Valley is not a true lily and is actually a member of the asparagus family.

 

Known for their sweet fragrance they bloom abundantly in the month of May, which is why they are also often referred to as May lilies.

 

The word convallaria means “valley plant” whilst majlis roughly translates to “of or belonging to May”.

May23.16

Traditionally, the blossom of the hawthorn was the most popular flower of the season but in 1892 Queen Victoria named the German Maiblume (Mayflower) or Lily of the Valley, as the nation’s favourite, borne out of her family loss.

 

Sandringham at that time was arguably the English home of the lily of the valley where the soil particularly suited the species and it was recorded that Prince Albert Victor much admired it.

 

Prince Albert Victor was the eldest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales (later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra) and grandson of the British monarch, Queen Victoria. He was second in the line of succession to the British throne, but his untimely death in 1892 meant he never became King. He fell ill with influenza during a pandemic which lasted from 1889 until 1892. He later developed pneumonia and died at Sandringham on 14 Jan 1892, less than a week after his 28th birthday.

 

Among the many floral tributes sent to Sandringham and Windsor following his death were many composed almost entirely of lily of the valley blooms.

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Devon County Council - Copy

The History of Ivybridge

The remains of stone-age hut circles can be found on Harford Moor, above Ivybridge, but the ivy-covered bridge, after which the town was later named, was first recorded in 1250; it is possible that it existed as a river crossing prior to the Doomsday Book of 1086. An early ‘King’s Highway’ from Exeter to Trematon Castle near Saltash, the 12th Century crossing may have been constructed by the monks of Plympton Priory (founded in 1121) to give them access to their lands at Wrangaton, Dean Prior and Buckfastleigh.

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HERITAGE DONOR CARD

To help preserve historical documents, objects and photographs, we have created a Heritage Donor Card for individuals to make donations of such items to Ivybridge Heritage & Archives Group. Please go to our ‘Links’ page for further information.

COPYRIGHT

All rights, including copyright, in the content of these pages are owned or controlled for these purposes by Ivybridge Heritage & Archives Group.

IHAG2021

HERITAGE DONOR CARD

To help preserve historical documents, objects and photographs, we have created a Heritage Donor Card for individuals to make donations of such items to Ivybridge Heritage & Archives Group. Please go to our ‘Links’ page for further information.

COPYRIGHT

All rights, including copyright, in the content of these pages are owned or controlled for these purposes by Ivybridge Heritage & Archives Group.

IHAG2021