Tiverton Merchants’ Trail
In its heyday (1500 – 1750), Tiverton was famous for the manufacture of woollen cloth. Thousands found work and merchants grew rich. The Tiverton Merchant’s Trail can be followed around the town of today. Take a leisurely walk around Tiverton Town Centre, following the pavement medallions and read the information panels to learn about Tiverton’s historic buildings.
You can join the Trail at any point. For convenience, we begin at the top of Phoenix Lane by Panel 1.
- At the top of Phoenix Lane is Panel 1 (18th Century Merchants)
- Turn left along Fore Street, to St George’s Church on your left.
- Go down Angel Hill to Panel 2 (16th and 17th Century Merchants)
- Continue to the bridge for the town’s iconic view upriver to St Peter’s Church.
- Return up Angel Hill to St Peter Street.
- Go into the churchyard and visit the Greenway Chapel.
- From the church to Tiverton Castle is but a step through the churchyard.
- Retrace your steps to Newport Street.
- On the corner, is the sign of The Lamb. Cross the road and continue along Newport Street.
- Turn right at Clare House and head towards the Pannier Market.
- Exit left along Market Walk to Bampton Street to Panel 3 (The Widow and the Town’s Historian)
- Turn left into Gold Street and continue to: Panel 4 (Early Tudor Merchant – John Greenway)
- Cross the road and continue down Gold Street.
- Go over Lowman Bridge to Panel 5 (Woollen Industry and Education)
- Walk on a little further to the gateway to Old Blundell’s.
- You may now retrace your steps up Gold Street and back along Fore Street.
- For more information about the history of Tiverton, visit Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life.
The Merchants’ Trail was conceived by the Tiverton Civic Society to raise awareness of the town’s historic and architectural heritage. A detailed leaflet is available from the Tiverton Tourist Information Service at Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life.
- Family Friendly