The Heathman Family

Stay in Devon! A letter written by Rachael Heathman, mother of Rowena Bradnam, who was with her grandmother, Lavinia Back, in Bishopsteignton when WWII was declared. “On Saturday 2nd 1939, my sisters and I were due to return home from our holiday with my...

Blacksmiths of Fore Street

Records confirm a blacksmith’s workshop on Fore Street in 1841 but it is highly likely that it was much older than this, sandwiched on both sides by 18th Century (or earlier) cottages.  This extract looks at the families that have occupied this spot and what we...

The Back Family

Early 19th Century Harriet Hodge was born in Bishopsteignton in 1817[1] and married Richard Back at St Nicholas  Church, Shaldon  on the 14th April 1841.[2 ]  He was the son of a tailor and was born in Kenn in 1810.[1] Their eight children were all born in...