CREDITON IN 1759

Taken from "Brice's Grand Gazetteer" published in 1759

(The original spelling has been retained)

CREDITON

"Crediton is one of the most antient and populous Country towns in the West of England. It is divided into 2 parts vulgarly called the Eastern and Western Town (the former governed by a Bailiff, the latter by a Portreeve) the latter of which is most considerable, for extent of ground, number of inhabitants, beauty of buildings and for trade.

In this part is kept a large, well-supplied and much frequented, Saturday's market, inferior, it is said, but to few in the Kingdom as to the 2 articles, yarn and fresh meat; above 70 bullocks throughout the winter quarter being the weekly supply of the Shambles, and sheep in proportion; tame fowls of all sorts being likewise abundant and as cheap, and in the seasons scarce in any country market, is found greater plenty of partridges, woodcock etc., etc.

And with regard to the woollen trade, 14 or 1,500 serges are (at least were wont to have been) here one week with another (raw) manufactured, carried to Exeter, etc., there died, milled and finished; and thence exported."

Courtesy Devon County Council