Chudleigh Fort, Military fortification in East-the-Water, Bideford, England
Chudleigh Fort is a five-sided stone structure positioned on high ground with views over the River Torridge, featuring seven cannons arranged along its edges. The fortification stands in the East-the-Water area of Bideford and operates as a public park maintained by Torridge District Council.
The fort began as an earthen gun platform built in 1642 during the English Civil War to defend the river valley. It was later rebuilt in stone during the 1800s, transforming it into the permanent structure visible today.
The fort functions as a memorial to local people who died during wartime, and visitors walking through the grounds can sense its role in the community's collective memory. The park setting allows people to reflect on these connections to the past while enjoying the riverside location.
The site is accessible and reached via Chudleigh Avenue in the East-the-Water neighborhood. The hilltop location means the grounds can be breezy and exposed, so it helps to check conditions before visiting.
A historical plaque at the site incorrectly attributes the fort to Major-General Chudleigh, when it was actually built by Sir George Chudleigh. This confusion highlights how commemorative markers can sometimes contain errors that puzzle visitors investigating the true origins of the place.
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