Our Projects - Tavistock Ship Painting

THT’s rediscovery of a wonderfully detailed wall painting of a 16th-century ship housed on the first floor of a medieval building in the town’s ancient market district has cast a new light on Tavistock’s mercantile activities.  Rather than focusing on the rural economy, it seems likely that some of the town’s residents may have been involved in trading with the Ottoman Empire and beyond. 

 

Working with the County Archaeologist the Ship is now being recreated in a dedicated area of the Guildhall together with interpretation panels telling the history of the town’s maritime connections.  THT is also raising funds to ensure the painting itself is restored and preserved.