Handsome HERITAGE

Some of Tavistock’s finest assets are being revamped and restored as part of a drive to celebrate the town’s heritage. CHRISSY HARRIS finds out more

-  Chrissy Harris

Tavistock has great public buildings. It’s one of the first things you notice when you arrive in this busy market town, on the western edge of Dartmoor.

The striking Victorian Guildhall greets you before you make your way through to the famous pannier market and the Old Auction Rooms (Butchers’ Hall) and on to the gothic Town Hall.

This is a handsome place – and it’s getting better looking by the day.

Some of these remarkable buildings are being given a new lease of life, thanks to local councils, businesses and community groups who want to preserve and promote their town’s rich history.

The restoration of Butchers’ Hall, or the Old Auction Rooms, as it’s locally known, was finally completed in the summer (just in time for a Royal visit from the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall).

In September, construction work began on the Guildhall as part of an ambitious £1.7million project to turn this iconic GradeII*-listed building into a new visitor centre.