Newton Abbot in historic gazetteers

Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew

Newton Abbot, market town with ry. sta., partly in Highweek par. but chiefly in Wolborough with Newton Abbot par., Devon, at head of Teign estuary, 16 miles S. of Exeter and 214 SW. of London by rail, pop. 9826; P.O., T.O.,2 Banks, 1 newspaper. Market-days, Wednesday and. Saturday. Newton Abbot is a considerable town, and is the most important sta. on the South Devon line between Exeter and Plymouth. It is situated in the heart of a fertile and richly cultivated district, and presents a most picturesque appearance. The town consists of 2 parts - viz., Newton Abbot in Wolborough par., and Newton Bushel forming the portion in High-week par. The latter was at one time a separate town. The chief object of interest in Newton Abbot is the pedestal of the market cross, from which, in 1688, William III. made his first proclamation after landing at Torbay. The chief industries of the town are brewing, iron-founding, and tanning; there is also a considerable trade in corn, timber, and potter's clay, for the loading of which large and convenient wharves have been erected.