Photographic installation by Way of the Wharves
This photographic installation highlights the layers of history that exist on the wharves site. The past is represented by an aerial image from the 1930s and the future by an architectural image showing the planned development with a mix of residential and commercial buildings. Looking over the photographs we can see the ever-changing present.
The East-the-Water wharves were the industrial centre of Bideford and the Torridge Estuary. Over the years, in addition to the import / export trade with timber, agricultural products and fertiliser, they have also been to site for shipbuilding, potteries, lime burning, an anthracite mine, the railway, salmon fishing, a munitions factory and more recently builder’s merchants and coal yards.
From the mid 19th century, the deep-water channel started to migrate westward across the river. Despite the wharves being pushed out and land re-claimed the wharves on the east side of the river eventually became silted and unsuitable for modern vessels.
The wharves site, adjacent to the medieval Bideford Long Bridge and the Royal Hotel, parts of which were originally built by tobacco merchant John Davie in 1688, is about to be re-developed. There will be a public access through the Bridge Gardens to the new square, preserving the protected view between the Royal Hotel and Bideford, and a walkway along the seawall.
Repairs to the quay wall and building work are expected to start before Spring 2023.
This installation has been conceived by Way of the Wharves. It is not an endorsement of any particular design, plans or any other organisation. Viewing these images will help the onlooker understand and appreciate the depth of history on and around this site.
Images
- Past – aerial photograph wharves, East the Water, close to their point of maximum development 1930s. Photographer Ralph Lethbridge Knight (1887-1965). Courtesy of R L Knight collection
- Future – architectural representation of new proposed development. Courtesy of Red Earth
- Present – what you can see today
Way of the Wharves
Click here to access Way of the Wharves website and learn more about the history of East the Water. You can pick up a free ‘Walk the Wharves’ heritage map in Tourist Information and other outlets.
Click here to purchase a copy of the book ‘A History of East the Water, Bideford’ or pick up a copy in Walter Henry’s Bookshop, Bideford or The Burton at Bideford.
Click here to view a copy of the archaeology report about the site.
Thanks to Red Earth and Brend Group (Royal Hotel) for permissions for the installation in the Bridge Gardens, to Bideford Men’s Shed for construction and installation and Bideford Town Council for a grant, helping with costs.
Way of the Wharves is a Bideford based charity researching and promoting the maritime and industrial heritage of East the Water and the Torridge Estuary www.thewharves.org .
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