Bideford 500 was born out of a research project by Pauline Smith, a local researcher and writer who has now relocated to Brittany, France. Her project focused on the last 500 years of Bideford’s history and heritage but with a specific focus it's earliest records and key dates.
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Bideford 500 was endorsed and supported by Dr Mark Horton, reader in Archaeology at the University of Bristol. Pauline's research was presented to the people of Bideford in the spring of 2008 illustrated with a specially made film by Tony Koorlander It continues today as an enthusiastic likeminded group of individuals celebrating and promoting 500 years of Bideford’s unique heritage. Click on the tabs in the left-hand margin for more information about Bideford's unique heritage. |
This project began almost two years ago when a group of local people with a passion for local history, combined with a will to use the town’s heritage to better effect decided to form a Working Group. They hoped to eventually develop a Project that would celebrate the town’s amazing, and in some instances quite unique past. It’s members also recognised that many of the town’s significant historical links with the Eastern Seaboard of America could help in some sense towards the town’s regeneration. Bideford’s links with the United States are so unique that they would, if appropriately marketed, considerably increase the number of American visitors. There would also be Educational opportunities for children and young people when learning about the towns’ unique history. Workshops, Story Telling and Living History could all play their part.
There could be various Volunteering opportunities for many local people as the town heritage is brought to life. Guides for the Heritage Trail during the summer months being one such role. It is hoped that promoting and celebrating Bideford’s unique past will encourage local people to reignite a sense of pride in their town.
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