The Victorian Arcade, Okehampton

The Victorian Arcade in Okehampton is a truly fascinating place. For a small rural market town, being home to an original Victorian Arcade is really a mark of pride and the people of Okehampton are justifiably proud of this historical gem.

 

Originally the construction of the Arcade between Fore Street and St James Street, provided the most direct route from the town centre to Okehampton Station. Constructed by builder by Henry Geen, who was the younger brother of former Okehampton mayor Charles Geen, a cabinet maker and also a builder, the structure was completed in 1896.

 

The Arcade was built on the site of the old Savile House, which he bought for princely sum of £2,250 then John Palmer’s Arcade Hotel was built early 1906.

 

The Arcade Hotel was part of the Victorian Arcade, and the original entrance was from St James Street whereas nowadays most people visit the Arcade from Fore Street.

 

Small shops line both sides of the interior, a wonderful display of retail, services, food, art, photography, computers and electrical goods. But it’s very much worth a visit even if you have no intention of actually buying anything!