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Newton Abbot

Newton Abbot is another Devon town with a long history. there is evidence of a Neolithic settlement in the area and also some remains from the Roman era.

The name Newton Abbot is literally derived from New town of the Abbots. The town prospered after being granted a market charter around 1250.

Other industries became important in the area including wool, leather and ball clay. With the arrival of the railways in the Victoria era, Newton Abbot was important as a junction point between Dartmouth and Exeter. Later Great Western Railways used it for a locomotive works.

Newton Abbot forde house
Newton Abbot pub

Newton Abbot has some notable buildings including Bradley Manor- a 15th Century Manor House, St Leonard's Tower - the remains of a 12th Century chapel and Forde House bult in 1610 by Sir Richard Reynell. Notable guests who stayed there included Oliver Cromwell and William of Orange. Other interesting attractions include Tucker's Maltings, which is a traditional malt house that produces malt for a number of breweries. Visitors can have a guided tour and sample some ales. Also there is a GWR Museum near the Town Hall that shows the railways history in the town.

Hotels in Newton Abbot