Crediton Cattle Market

A look at the hustle and bustle of a livestock market for cattle at a Crediton Market. At the turn of the 20th century cattle markets were still held in Crediton High Street but they subsequently saw a move to the surrounding farms and villages. Devon with its red earth and wild grazing areas developed mixed farming to include livestock rearing, dairy production, arable faming and cider making all still prevalent in the county today.

The Crediton farmers’ market is a popular fortnightly event where rural interacts with urban and is at the forefront of a return to locally sourced fresh produce for which it has won awards. Some agricultural markets and fairs in Devon date back to the reign of King Henry III in the 13th century. Crediton is in mid Devon and Winfrith or St Boniface is born here in about 672. The surrounding estate at Downe House belongs the the Bullers, a Cornish family. Sir Redvers (pronounced Reevers) Buller is known for his action in the Boer Wars (1881 and 1889). Although he received a Victoria Cross for bravery he was relieved of his command in South Africa after too many Boer defeats and became known as Reverse Buller.