The Arrival of The Railway Age at Tavistock Riverside

by Graham Kirkpatrick

WHEN it comes to bringing to public gaze the long, rich, complex history of Tavistock, the contribution of Graham Kirkpatrick has been considerable; also, he has long been a doughty defender of the old stannary town's heritage against the, often, predatory forays of outside vested interests.

Throughout his ongoing residence in Tavistock, he has worked in support of the recognition, recording and presentation of the town's 1,000 plus year history, having given generously of his energy, commitment, enthusiasm, scholarship, erudition and, of course, time.

All such attributes merge in his latest publication, 'The Arrival of the Railway Age at Tavistock Riverside'.

The work is based upon an article of prodigious length which appeared in the Tavistock Gazette on June 24, 1859 — a mind concentrating page containing the article is shown — an ocean of words in the smallest of print, but one which would have been read with eagerness and delight by local folk. For the event recorded in the newspaper, itself only 2 years old, were truly momentous; certainly it is possible that long though the history of the town is, there has never been one of greater importance or relevance.

The coming of the railway, up from Plymouth, to the old town was seen by local folk for what it was — the dawning of the modern era; the marking of the event reflected this.

Thanks to the author's perceptive commentary and observation — using as his basic text, the minutely detailed 'Gazette' report — the reader becomes aware of the remarkable scale and scope of the celebrations and almost military like precision of their organisation.

The opening ceremonies, the speeches by local dignitaries - including that of the Portreeve of Tavistock, Charles Henry Daw, and directors of the South Devon and Tavistock Railway — are covered along with comprehensive descriptions of the manifold events of the day; the way the town was decorated, the entertainment in Bedford Square (mostly music and dancing), a dazzling firework display are all described.

Detailed mention is made of The Public Tea when more than 4,000 people were catered for — an astonishing achievement.

Given prominence, also, is the procession led by a military band and the portreeve — which snaked around the town. This was at great length, representing a wide range of companies, trades and organisations, plus many of the people, which were integral to the cohesion of a flourishing town.

Throughout the booklet, there are photographs, reproductions of articles, timetables and so forth; indeed, there is even a poem written especially to celebrate the event.

Cold logic might suggest that it could be problematic to create an interesting publication based principally on an article, penned very much in the style of the age, in a mid-nineteenth century local newspaper, concerning a civic event — albeit, a unique one.

That this is a riveting, captivating read is down to Graham Kirkpatrick's skills as both editor and author. Regarding the former, he moves the text along at pace, punctuating it with information tables and facts; as to the latter, the booklet is enhanced immeasurably by his concise, informative footnotes on most pages, plus pithy, lucid comment throughout, none better than a powerful, biting epilogue talking of the closing of the line 103 years later, in 1962 — an act of vision-less vandalism (nationally as well, of course) difficult to forgive.

Aided by Alison and Steve Carreck's professionalism, Graham Kirkpatrick has produced a work which will appeal not just to 'Railway Buffs', but also to the far greater numbers of folk ever keen to learn more of the history of The Old Market and Stannary Town.

The book is available at Tavistock Subscription Library, Bedford Square for a donation.

Ted Sherrell