TAVISTOCK & VILLAGES INITIATIVE
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S6.5 Strong cultural associations in the area |
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Tavistock’s position near Plymouth as a sea port has meant that it has been associated with several key events in the country’s emergence on the international scene. Its most famous son, Sir Francis Drake, was born at Crowndale Farm in 1542. He bought Buckland Abbey in 1581 after his voyage around the world had made him rich and famous. He became Mayor of Plymouth in the same year when he improved the city’s water supply by having a leat cut from Dartmoor. His defeat of the Spanish Armada was in 1588 and he sailed on his last voyage in 1595, dying from fever the following year and being buried at sea off Porto Rico. Largely through
its historical ducal connections, ‘Tavistock’ has become a
respected ‘brand-name’ as a search through the internet will
reveal. The town is also discovering a growing reputation for the quality
of its musical productions and is looking to become a recognised festival
centre. |
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'Would like
to see yearly arts festival.’ ‘Drake
was a pirate and best forgotten.’ ‘Possibly
have a Sir Francis Drake day.’ |
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Strategic
Aims: Culture, Media, Sports & Leisure; Co-ordinate and promote events Culture, Media, Sports & Leisure; Increase the range of arts and sports |
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Updated
October 2007
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© Tavistock
and Villages Initiative 2004
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