History of the Lighterman’s Restaurant in Devon

From the end of the 18th Century through to the early 20th Century, the river was a hive of activity with the barges carrying granite from the quarries of Dartmoor which was used in the construction of many of London's famous buildings including London Bridge.

China clay was also transported, which was mined locally. These barges were manned by the Lightermen. The ruins of their cottages can still be seen on the along the banks of the South Devon River just up from the Inn.