Home / Business and Economy / Teignmouth Port: 300 Years of Exporting Clay Worldwide
Teignmouth Port: 300 Years of Exporting Clay Worldwide
14 Nov
Summary
- Port of Teignmouth exports over 160,000 tonnes of clay annually.
- Clay from Devon makes up about 25% of global toilet and wash basin material.
- Plans to reopen a clay pit may involve woodland removal and relocating a rugby club.
The Port of Teignmouth is marking a significant milestone, celebrating more than 300 years of exporting clay worldwide. Established in the Bovey Basin approximately 30 million years ago, the port's clay trade officially began in 1726 when merchant William Crawford exported material to London.
Today, the port handles over 160,000 tonnes of clay annually, with shipments reaching as far as South America and Asia. This ancient material, originating from Devon's ball clays, now constitutes about 25% of the typical components used in making toilets and wash basins globally.
This three-century legacy highlights Teignmouth's enduring importance as a trade gateway, connecting local industries to international markets. However, this historic trade faces contemporary challenges, with campaigners opposing plans by Sibelco to reopen a ball clay pit, a project that could involve woodland destruction and the relocation of local amenities.
