Council buy farm for £25,750

Burrough Farm, Northam, was acquired yesterday by Northam Urban Council for £25,750. The farm comprising a five-bedroomed house, farm buildings and 64 acres stretching down to the river Torridge, was sold at a public auction at Tanton's Hotel, Bideford. Before it was put up for auction, the farm had been offered to the Council by one of its members, the owner, Mr C C Diwell, for a figure believed to be around the £20,000 mark. The auction was conducted by John Lewington and Company. Bidding began at £15,000. The final figure was £150 more than a bid by Northam farmer, Mr Reg Mills. Over the £20,000 mark, the Council, who were represented by their Clerk (Mr Alan Gardner), were advised by the District Valuer who accompanied him. Afterwards Mr Gardner said that allowing for any income from the property, the farm purchase would mean nearly a 2d rate. Burrough House (since re-built) was the home of Amyas Leigh, hero of Charles Kingsley's 'Westward Ho!'