Tavistock
Tavistock, an ancient stannary (tin-assaying and tin-marketing) town, lies on the south-west edge of Dartmoor National Park, about 24 km (15 miles) north of the maritime city of Plymouth. This fine and flourishing town , the largest in West Devon has architecture of local stone, a wide range of interesting and practical shops, market, riverside park, leisure centre and theatre.
The name “Tavistock” derives from “Tavy”, the River on which the town lies, and “stock” indicating that the town became a prominent agricultural market for the area. The importance of Tavistock’s market was recognised by the granting of a Market Charter by King Henry I to the town in 1105. Its importance continues to the present day with the market being voted the ‘Best Farmers’ Market in the South West’ in 2006 and the town winning a further accolade in 2006 from readers of ‘Country Life’ who voted it England’s best market town.
