Rediscovering Tavistock's Maritime Legacy: The 16th Century Ship Wall Painting
The Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Abbey Place, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0FW
The rediscovery of a detailed 16th century ship wall painting, housed in a medieval building in the town's ancient market district has allowed experts from Tavistock Heritage Trust to explore Tavistock's rich mercantile and maritime history . This find sheds new light on Tavistock's trading connections, possibly extending to the Ottoman Empire and beyond.
Working with the County Archaeologist, the ship has been recreated in a dedicated area at the Guildhall, complemented by interpretation panels detailing the town's maritime heritage.
The original wall painting is on the first floor of the building that is now home to the Tavistock Refillery at 4 Market Street. As the painting is inaccessible to the public the Refillery will be hosting a computer recreation of the ship throughout Heritage Open Days.
The Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Abbey Place, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0FW