West Ockment in full flood

Here we see an awesome sight, the West Ockment in full flood in the early part of the twentieth century.

The height of the river can be judged by looking at the old Westbridge; and by the fact that the iron sewerage pipe crossing the river is completely submerged. The large building on the right is ‘Avery’s Tanyard’, which was a useful employer in an industry that has gone from the Dartmoor scene.

The tanners worked closely with the ‘Rippers’ whose job it was to provide bark from young oaks when the sap was rising! This bark would be stored for about a year before being steeped in vats at Okehampton. It was then used to provide colour and suppleness to leather, by stacking in alternative layers between the hides of Dartmoor cattle. Whilst there was little noise from the processing operation, locals could always identify busy periods by the more than ‘distinctive’ smell! The tanyard was later converted into flats before being demolished to make way for new housing.

On the left is the end of Rosemary Row with the rear of the Midland Bank facing the camera. Sadly most of the buildings in this photograph have disappeared and, with them, part of the town’s history has gone forever.