Bideford is one of North Devon’s largest towns. It is a town at the water’s edge, which was at one time England’s third largest port.

Predictably, it has longstanding links with the rest of the world, forged through trade, travel and colonialism. Connections to the Americas are particularly significant. In the 16th to 18th centuries, Bideford would have received and exchanged many things, and also many people. These included the tobacco, cod and ceramics which made the town prosperous – but also indentured labourers and servants.

Explore the timeline to learn more about the town’s multicultural past and connections to the rest of the world.

Today, Bideford is home to many different people with diverse cultural, national and faith backgrounds.

In 2020, Telling Our Stories interviewed some of them about their memories, their stories, and their experiences of coming to and living in Bideford.

Explore the Stories tab to hear their voices.

Latest Bideford community stories

Latest Bideford community stories

Gail’s Bush Stories

Gail’s Bush Stories

Bush stories are traditional tales passed down through generations of South African tribe members and residents. Often, they take the form of parables designed to convey a moral message or truth of nature. Here, Gail shares seven bush stories: the tale of the...

Jane Daniel

Jane Daniel

Jane Daniel has lived in Bideford all her life. She is actively involved with the BAME community because she wants to help create a: "better understanding of differences in culture and colour now and for the future." By telling her story, Jane hopes to influence her...

Ingrid Esteve Martin, born in Valencia, Spain

Ingrid Esteve Martin, born in Valencia, Spain

Ingrid Esteve Martin is Spanish. She came to Barnstaple in 2018, moving to North Devon from Portsmouth for a fresh start. She lives with her two children and is in the process of establishing her own graphic design company. Being both a volunteer and sharing her story...

Gail’s Bush Stories

Gail’s Bush Stories

Bush stories are traditional tales passed down through generations of South African tribe members and residents. Often, they take the form of parables designed to convey a moral message or truth of nature. Here, Gail shares seven bush stories: the tale of the...

Jane Daniel

Jane Daniel

Jane Daniel has lived in Bideford all her life. She is actively involved with the BAME community because she wants to help create a: "better understanding of differences in culture and colour now and for the future." By telling her story, Jane hopes to influence her...