Bigbury is a beautiful parish located within the South Hams District of Devon. Its key features can be summed up by the simple phrase ‘Community, Countryside and Coast’. Farming, tourism and a variety of home-based enterprises make up the principle sources of employment.
The population of Bigbury as detailed in the 2001 census was 582. Contained within the parish are many stunning walks, beaches and a well presented 18 hole golf club with stunning views of the Avon Estuary, Bigbury Bay and more.
The area has coastal preservation status and lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Bigbury parish includes three principle sub-communities – St Ann’s Chapel, Bigbury village and Bigbury-on-Sea. St Ann’s Chapel stands on the main crossroad of the parish with a thriving community, a local shop, parish hall, a 13th century coaching inn, a football field, a play park and skateboard ramps.
Bigbury village is located 1.5 miles inland and is comprised of a mixture of full-time residences and other properties catering for the robust tourist trade. Unfortunately, the shop, pub and garage all closed in 2013 – partly because of the highly seasonal nature of much of their trade – although the shop has since been replaced with a thriving beauty parlour. The local church was extensively rebuilt in 1872 but parts are believed to date back to the 14th century.
Bigbury-on-Sea is a seaside settlement with one of the best beaches in Devon and is linked by a tidal causeway to the famous Burgh Island with its Art Deco hotel and 13th century public house. It is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. The golden beach offers fun-filled days for the family and for the more energetic, surfing activities and fishing. The spectacularly beautiful Avon Estuary separates Bigbury on Sea from picturesque Bantham on the opposite shore.
Bigbury has a thriving history group. They are involved in archaeological excavations on an Iron Age site and plotting the physical remains of a part of the village that was abandoned in the late 19th Century. Their extensive records include a wealth of historical information and a large collection of photographs. There are many items that can be of help in tracing family trees or in learning more about the lives of the people who lived here in days gone by and the properties they lived and worked in.
Locally there are regular meetings during the winter months and one or two visits to places of historical interest during the summer. These are open to both members and non-members.
If you are tracing relatives or just interested in the parish of Bigbury we hope you will find something of interest. Whether we have information that will be helpful to you or if you can add to our knowledge we will be happy to hear from you.
Come, join in with several away days visits and captivating talks !!
Contact:
Charles Harrington 01548 810023
E Mail charles_harri@yahoo.co.uk
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