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Teignmouth back harbour, Devon, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boats_moored_on_Teignmouth_back_harbour_beach_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1726613.jpgAuthor: David Gearing
Teignmouth is a town in the district of Teignbridge, in Devon, England. Situated on the northern bank of the River Teign, Teignmouth has a population of 14,000 people (2012 estimate). Today the town is a popular seaside resort.
The history of Teignmouth dates back to 1044, when it first appeared as Tengemuða. Curiously though, it was not listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. The town comprises two villages, East and West Teignmouth. East Teignmouth was given a market charter in 1253 while West Teignmouth receives its market charter some years later.
By the 14th century, Teignmouth had grown to become the second most important seaport in Devon after Dartmouth. Its position as seaport was shortlived, for by the 15th century it was in decline, and did not figure in the official records of 1577.
Teignmouth received a second lease on life in the 17th century, when it developed as a port for cod fishing. However, even more important than fishing was a rather clandestine activity: smuggling and piracy. And when piracy is officially sanctioned - at the expense of a foreign power - it was called privateering, and by the 18th century, Teignmouth was chief among the westcountry ports for this activity.
By the 19th century, Teignmouth has evolved once more, reinventing itself as a high-class tourist resort, attracting affluent visitors particularly after the opening of the railway in 1846. Today it remains a popular seaside resort.
Visiting Teignmouth
Coming from Manchester, take the M5 motorway until Exeter, then continue on the A380 road. At the interchange in Kingsteignton, take the A381 heading east till you reach Teignmouth.
Shaldon Bridge, Teignmouth: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shaldon_Bridge.jpgAuthor: Tony Atkin
Places of Interest in Teignmouth
- St James Church: Anglican parish church that is octagonal in shape.
- St Scholastica's Abbey: Gothic Revival style church building built by Henry Woodyer in 1864.
- Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum: New museum annex completed in 2011 as an extension to the existing 18th century museum building. It displays an eclectic collection of artifacts from a restored bathing machine to film footage of the Beatles' visit.
- Teignmouth Pier: Also called Grand Pier, this is the town pier measuring 212 meters (696 ft) in length and built in 1867.
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