Bideford Reflections

Bideford, a town in North Devon, has a rich history as a port and is home to the first Native American buried in England. This book combines old and new photographs to showcase how the town has changed over the decades, offering a glimpse into the past and present of Bideford.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Nestled along the enchanting estuary of the River Torridge, the historic town of Bideford in North Devon boasts a captivating past as a bustling port. From its bustling quays, it witnessed the inaugural voyage of colonization to the New World under the esteemed leadership of Sir Richard Grenville. Within its sacred grounds lies the final resting place of the first Native American to be interred in England. The town was the beloved home of the renowned Victorian novelist Charles Kingsley, whose novel "Westward Ho!" vividly captured the essence of this picturesque region. Over time, Bideford's tourism industry flourished, drawing visitors from far and wide to explore its narrow streets and picturesque quay. Today, the town remains a popular destination, with its tree-lined quay bustling with fishing vessels, cargo ships, and pleasure boats. In this captivating book, writer Peter Christie and photographer Graham Hobbs have meticulously curated a collection of old and new photographs, skillfully merged to showcase the remarkable transformation of Bideford over the years. Each of the 180 pictures combines a contemporary color view with its corresponding sepia-toned archive scene, creating a captivating split-image effect that allows readers to step back in time and experience the life of previous generations. This mesmerizing visual chronicle offers a glimpse into Bideford's past and present, captivating residents, visitors, local historians, and anyone with a connection to this remarkable town.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 165 x 231 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398104228