Pre and Post Conference Tours
These tours are an opportunity to learn more about the area at the hands of an experienced local guide, Devon Family History Society’s President, Chris Braund.
The cost is £5 per person, per tour, spaces are limited and pre-booking is essential. Each tour takes between 1 and 2 hours and involves 1-2 miles of walking. Torrington is relatively flat but the others involve hills and Clovelly is a steep cobbled street. Participants are responsible for getting themselves to and from the starting points but we may be able to arrange lifts or car-sharing.
These tours are sponsored by The Braund One-name Society.
Morning Tour of Bideford Thursday 8 October
The riverside town of Bideford, is 1½ miles from the venue. Bideford has a long and interesting maritime history. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the port was one of the busiest in the country. It was particularly renowned for the tobacco trade, its cod-fishing links with Newfoundland and the export of sgraffito-ware pottery. Bideford was also the home of the last three English women to be hung for witchcraft.
Afternoon Tour of Clovelly Thursday 8 October
A privately owned, picturesque fishing village, where vehicles are banned. 12 miles from the venue, Clovelly is one of Devon’s ‘must see’ sights. See the unique cobbled high street, the fisherman’s museum and the harbour. Learn about the past inhabitants and their way of life. Please note that there is an entrance charge to the village which will need to be paid, as well as the £5 for the tour. Prices for 2026 have not yet been announced. As a guide, the 2025 admission charge is £9.50; we hope to get a party rate. N.B. the cobbled High Street is steep, this tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility or heart conditions.
Morning Tour of Great Torrington Monday 12 October
Guided by Master Christopher, musketeer in the king’s army. Great Torrington, with its Civil War heritage, was a cavalier town, noted for being the site of the last battle of the English Civil War in 1646. The battle was unusual for two reasons, it took place, not on a battle field but through the streets of the town and it occurred after dark. Torrington is 9 miles from the venue.
Afternoon Tour of Bucks Mills Monday 12 October
Nestled between the bustling port of Bideford and the better-known Clovelly, the little village of Bucks Mills is often overlooked. Chris Braund’s family have been associated with Bucks Mills for seven generations. The history of the village is inextricably linked with that of the Braund family and 87% of the Victorian inhabitants of Bucks Mills were Braunds, married to Braunds, or descended from the Braund family. Chris will introduce the inhabitants of each dwelling and relate anecdotes about the history of this unique fishing village.