River Lowman
The River Lowman serves as one of Tiverton’s defining geographical features, acting as a primary tributary to the River Exe. Its name traces back to Brythonic Celtic origins—likely the word Leman—and is widely believed to translate to "Elm River," a nod to the ancient woodland landscapes it once carved through.
Geography and Confluence
Tiverton’s very identity is rooted in its location at the confluence of the Lowman and the Exe. This meeting of waters shaped the town's development, with the Lowman (historically also spelled Loman) lending its name to several key local landmarks. These include:
Lowman Green: A central public space and the site of the town’s Clock Tower and modern Police Station.
Lowman Park: A significant residential estate and business district.
Lowman Way: A primary artery for local commerce.
The River’s Journey
The Lowman begins its descent from the Brendon Hills in northeast Devon. From its source, it travels a scenic southward path that defines the character of the Mid Devon countryside:
The Upper Reach: It flows through the rural parish of Huntsham before reaching Uplowman, a village nestled at the foot of the hills that bears its name.
The Lowlands: As the gradient levels out, the river passes through the hamlet of Craze Lowman to the northeast of Tiverton.
Entering the Town: The river finally enters the urban landscape by passing beneath the A361 (North Devon Link Road). It meanders through the heart of Tiverton before ultimately merging with the River Exe near the town center, completing its journey from the uplands to the valley floor.
Industrial Legacy: Wool and Lace
The River Lowman was not just a scenic backdrop; it was the engine of Tiverton's economic survival for centuries. Its waters were essential to the two industries that put the town on the map:
The Wool Trade (16th–18th Century)
Processing Power: The river provided the vast quantities of water required for "fulling"—a process where wool was cleaned and thickened.
Watermills: Numerous fulling mills were established along the Lowman's banks, using waterwheels to power heavy wooden hammers that pounded the cloth.
"Little Germanie": The area between Gold Street and the River Lowman became a bustling hub for European cloth merchants, earning it this distinctive nickname during the height of the wool boom.
The Lace Revolution (19th Century)
John Heathcoat’s Arrival: In 1816, industrialist John Heathcoat moved his lace-making operation from Loughborough to Tiverton to escape Luddite rioters.
Adaptive Reuse: Heathcoat purchased an old woollen mill situated right on the water. While the River Exe provided the primary power for the massive Heathcoat factory, the Lowman continued to support peripheral industries, including agricultural machinery manufacturing and tanning, which relied on the river’s steady flow for waste removal and processing.
Location
Flowing approximately northeast to southwest through Tiverton, the River Lowman enters the town beneath the A361 and joins the River Exe just south of where the A396 crosses the Exe.
Useful Links
River Exe Explores the River Exe’s historical role in Tiverton’s industrial past and outlines its modern features, including flood defenses and scenic riverside walks.
