Little Torrington

History

"Little Torrington was originally a Saxon Settlement called Toritona." "The Manor of Toritona was held by a Saxon called Edmar during the reign of Edward the Confessor" between 1042–1066. The first vicar for the church was recorded in 1259, although the current church of St Giles was created in the 15th Century. Renovations have taken place on the church throughout its time, 3 of these have been major renovations including, in 1755 when it was re-roofed in a Georgian style. "In 1857 during the incumbency of the Reverend George de Carteret Guille, when the nave and south aisle were restored, the western gallery removed, and the chancel rebuilt and enlarged." Finally "in 1898, during the incumbency of the Reverend Thomas McClelland, when restoration work was carried out on the tower" and the addition of a tower screen and new pews to the interior of the church.

Little Torrington along with Great Torrington "had a significant role in the English Civil War, specifically, the Battle of Torrington in 1646 which marked the end of Royalist resistance in the West Country." "Great Torrington today has become well recognized as an important heritage center for the history of the 17th century."

"At Taddiport village there is an ancient chapel attached to an old leper hospital foundation."

Population has fluctuated in Little Torrington between 1801 and 2011 according to census data. The total population in 1801 was 449, and from then the population continued to grow hitting its peak in 1851, with a total population of 623. After 1851 the population fell and reached its lowest recorded level in 1961, with a population of just 281, less than half the population of 1851. From here the population started to recover, reaching its current level of 376 people, according to the 2011 census.

Industry

The first census divided the working men into two different categories, those 'chiefly employed in agriculture' and those 'chiefly employed in trade, manufacturers or handicraft'. This then progressed into nine categories in 1831, with the majority of Little Torrington's men aged 20 and over working in agriculture.

The 1881 census showed more work categories for both men and women. The main industry for men to work in was Agriculture, and in 1881 72 men were engaged in the agricultural industry, following that domestic or office services was the second most popular industry, but with only 11 men working in this industry.

Most work for females was in different industry's than for the men, for females the main categories for work was in the dressmaking industry which employed 39 women and the domestic office or services employed 32 women.

Currently 189 of the 376 Little Torringtons residents are employed. The two highest areas of employment are agriculture, forestry & fishing and Manufacturing, both of which employ 25 residence each. However, for sectors such as financial & Insurance activities and real estate activities, only 1 resident is employed in each of these industries.

The Village

The village is located east of the A386, contains "2880 acres of land, including the village of Taddiport, on the south-west side of the river Torridge opposite Great Torrington." "Taddiport is a hamlet beside the Torridge, which is here crossed by a massive three-arched bridge, possibly of 17th century date. A chapel, attached to a leper hospital founded in the 13th century, still remains, though considerably altered."

The majority of current residents, according to the 2011 census, live in whole houses or bungalows, 106 households live in detached properties and 55 households live in semi-detached properties, with only 2 households living in flats or apartments.

Out of all the current residents 189 are economically active and 70 are retired. The majority of these 178 households contain 2 people, 85 households, 51 households only have 1 person and only 14 households contain 4 people.

According to the 2001 census age structure indicators, they found out of the 420 people living in Little Torringtons in 2001, 112 are aged 45–59, 71 are aged 30–44, 29 are aged 75–84 and only 12 are aged 5–7.

There are 342 residence aged 16 or over, 99 of these residence have no formal qualifications, 41 have GCSE's or equivalent, 45 have A-Levels or equivalent and 78 have degrees or equivalent as their highest level of qualification.

Local Businesses

The Torridge Inn – Located in Taddiport, this is a local rural pub and authentic Thai Diner, that provides live music and entertainment for patrons.

Tarka Pottery – A pottery studio located on Glebe Farm, which has been open since 2006 offering clay Workshops, classes and pottery painting for all ages. The studio is run by Jax Williams who has been working with clay for over 25 years and also runs a holiday cottage for holidays and pottery breaks.

Smytham Manor – A family run, rural holiday park that provides camping, caravanning and cabin accommodations. The site is set on "23 acres of parkland adjoining to the old manor house, which is still used as a family home".

Transport

Little Torrington is connected by various bus services including those going to Barnstaple and Exeter.

The closest train station is in Chapelton, 10 miles from Little Torrington, part of the First Great Western line which connects to Barnstaple, Exeter and Plymouth.

Historic estates