A FASCINATING book focussing on nine centuries of market history in Tavistock was launched in the town?s museum last Friday. Written by Tavistock resident Graham Kirkpatrick, the illustrated book is part of the celebrations being organised by the town?s charter group to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the granting of Tavistock?s market charter by Henry I. Iain Andrews, chairman of the charter group, said the launch was a ?very special? event during a year of celebrations. He said: ?The charter group is a diverse group of people who bring together their individual skills and talents for the benefit of Tavistock. ?Graham is one of those people who carries round a mine of information and he has put it together to produce this amazing book.? Cllr Jenny Metcalf, mayor of Tavistock, said it was ?very appropriate? that the book should be officially launched in the museum, which was housed in Court Gate, the oldest building in Tavistock. Cllr Metcalf said: ?Graham is one of those people who have inspired ideas ? and the drive to carry things out. Very well done ? it?s a fascinating book.? Mr Kirkpatrick said he had learned a great deal during the 15 months he had been researching and writing the book. He also paid tribute to his ?computer wizard? Steve Carreck who had designed the book so wonderfully. ?So much is planned for this year, which have fallen on the broad shoulders of Iain Andrews ? he and the group are doing a wonderful job,? said Mr Kirkpatrick, who hoped everyone would enjoy reading the book. Nine Centuries of Tavistock Markets, the production of which was supported by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, covers the granting of the Tavistock charter market, and the different markets which have been held in the town over the years, including the livestock, corn, butter, fish and yarn markets. It includes some fascinating old photographs, illustrations and extracts from historical manuscripts. The photographs are particularly interesting, some dating back as far as the 1850s. The book is available from Bookstop, Owen?s book shop and the Tourist Information Centre, priced £3.99. l A market charter exhibition can be viewed in Tavistock Museum at present, along with related exhibitions focussing on the town?s stannary history, the history of the town?s foundries and Tavistock during the second world war.
