The Sidmouth Directory from 1870
A piece of Sidmouth History has been discovered in the Hayman's Butchers archives. Along with lots of old images and newspaper cuttings of the historical business an 1870 Sidmouth Directory was found.
Dated February 3rd 1870 it is number 41 of the sixth series and cost one penny! The front of the directory has a beautiful drawing of Sidmouth from Salcombe Hill and inside you can find the tide times along with the residents and visitors to the town. An incredible piece of history to stumble across.
You can view through the entire directory here and hopefully will inspire more people to send in any they have so we can put them up on the site to share.
Share this page and who knows, there may be more directories out there hidden away...
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Andys Man Club Sidmouth
Andys Man Club is a suicide prevention charity. They hold peer to peer talking groups for any man aged 18+ at 7-9pm every Monday (except Bank Holidays) There is an Andys Man Club group opening on Monday 9th February 2026 at Sidmouth Library. Andys Man Club is free to attend, there's no bookings or referrals required and it's completely confidential and non-judgemental.
Celebrating an ancient coastal town By Ted Gosling and Sheila Luxton
The Book of Sidmouth was published March 2004. Written by Ted Gosling and Sheila Luxton, both local authors.
Covering many aspects of the towns history and inhabitants the authors aim has been to widen the knowledge of newcomers to the town, whilst at the same time cover the life of the local people for the last fifty or so years.
Full of photographs, many from the Museum which have not previously been published, it provides an interesting history of Sidmouth.
Ted Gosling is a well known local author and has many links with Sidmouth as his mother was born here. He is the Curator of the Axe Valley Heritage Museum.
Sheila Luxton, formerly Sheila Nice, has lived in the town all her life and is a member of the Sid Vale Association Executive Committee and the Museum Committee.
The authors have tried to mention all important events and personalities of the town, past and present.
The Book of Sidmouth is available from local booksellers and the Museum shop, price £19.95.
(above text and photographs provided by Sheila Luxton specially for Sidmouth
Website - not to be copied/transmitted without the express permission of
Sidmouth Website [ www.sidmouth.com
] and Sheila Luxton and Ted Gosling).