by Sadru Bhanji
A new title in the European Library Back in Time series, this book features 75 vintage postcards of the Exe estuary town of Topsham, Devon. They are selected from the collection of local historian Sadru Bhanji, who also writes the introduction and commentary.
The images, mostly dating from the early 20th century, offer a glimpse of Topsham in a quieter era: after its decline as one of England's principal ports, but before its incorporation into Exeter and rediscovery as an attractive tourist and residential town.
"55. The cut, along the northwest corner of the Quay, is shown also in this postcard dated 1907. It is said that around this time hundreds of Topsham men earned their living from the river. As already noted, many were fishermen. Others, who perhaps included those shown here, loaded or unloaded barges and ships at the Quay. Still others brought barges here or along the Clyst to Odam's manure works. Whatever the reasons for the men being present in this postcard, their mood comes across as one of quiet resignation. Topsham Quay, on which their forefathers once dealt with exotic cargoes from distant parts, has fallen to depending on a casual coastal trade in such mundane goods as sand, cement, limestone and timber."
1905: Majorfield Road and the Salutation
TOPSHAM in old picture postcards is available from Topsham Post Office and Topsham News, or by mail order (£9.95 plus £2.50 p/p) from Combined Book Services Limited (e-mail orders@combook.co.uk or Tel: +44 (0) 1892 837171).
Topsham town web page
Modern photographs of Topsham
Topsham Museum
e-mail publisher@eurobib.nl