The ‘herbe Uppowac which the Spaniardes generally call Tobacco’ was first thought to be landed in Europe on Bideford Quay by Sir Richard Grenville on his return from the New World in 1585.
The Lotus Leaf of Bideford
It later became the ‘Lotus Leaf’ of Bideford, as it enabled the town to enter into its greatest period of prosperity during the 18th century. Bideford established itself as a leading Tobacco Port second only to London. In terms of imports tobacco landed in the town between 1722 to 1733 are shown in local Customs records as being that of 8,450,427lbs. It was the American War of Independence (1775 -1783) which was to change the town’s fortunes in terms of being a leading tobacco port. Once that war was over tobacco was no longer being landed in Bideford.
Tobacco Trade