The Valiant Soldier The pub where time was never called... T


HE Valiant Soldier hit the headlines in the 1990s as a rediscovered pub that had shut its doors in 1965 and remained untouched until it was ‘rediscovered.’ This year it is celebrating its tenth anniversary as a major local attraction. The building was purchased by Teignbridge District Council and the subsequent actions by


members of the local community enabled it to be opened to the public as a Heritage Centre in 2000. The pub was literally a time capsule, even having the change remaining in the till, untouched from that day in 1965 when the doors were closed. With the support of the Dartmoor National Park Authority a tourist Information Point was set up at the Valiant Soldier as members of the community recognised its potential as a tourist attraction. The information centre is a valuable asset to both the local community and of course to the many visitors who pass through its doors. The building is now owned by the Buckfastleigh Trust and is managed by a committee of local volunteers. It has created close links within the community with, for example, the primary schools, the library and the Buckfastleigh & District Society and its local history group. There are


18


well supported open days at the beginning and the end of the ‘open season’ specifically for members of the local community. To celebrate its tenth


anniversary and building on the interests of local


supporters, a museum for the town is being developed on the first floor above the information centre adjacent to the Valiant Soldier wing. The museum will exhibit artefacts and memorabilia from Buckfastleigh’s fascinating past and is sure to be of interest to locals and visitors alike. This new venture is being supported by both the Teignbridge Museum officer and the County Conservation officer.


In addition it is planned to open an Archive


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