Once upon a time, nestled along the rugged coast of Devon, in the quaint village of Clovelly, a unique tradition thrived that harked back to a bygone era. Here, donkeys played a vital role in the daily life of the community, a tradition that had endured for centuries.
Clovelly was a place frozen in time, its steep cobblestone streets winding their way down to the picturesque harbor below. These streets were so steep that using regular vehicles was practically impossible. That's where the donkeys came in.
In Clovelly, donkeys are not just animals; they are cherished members of the village. Each donkey had a name and a distinct personality, known and loved by all the villagers. They were small, sturdy creatures, perfectly adapted to the village's unique terrain.
Their primary purpose was to transport goods up and down the village's narrow lanes. Merchants would load their cargo onto donkey-drawn sledges, and the trusty donkeys would navigate the steep, meandering pathways with incredible skill. The clatter of their hooves on the cobblestones and the jingle of their bells became the heartbeat of Clovelly, a soothing and reassuring rhythm that echoed through the village each day.
One of the most beloved donkeys in Clovelly was Benny, known for his friendly nature and his knack for brightening everyone's day with a bray and a nudge. He was a favorite among the children, who would eagerly line up for donkey rides around the village, guided by their trusty four-legged companions.
As time marched forward and modernisation threatened to change the face of Clovelly, the donkeys remained a steadfast symbol of the village's heritage and resilience. Generations of donkeys had served the community, and it was clear that they would continue to do so for generations to come.
Clovelly and its donkeys stand as a living testament to the beauty of tradition and the enduring spirit of a community that held onto its roots. In this charming coastal village, the clop of hooves and the bray of donkeys remained a reminder that some things were worth preserving, even in a rapidly changing world.
Braedon agreed to make some pottery for us and we went down to the basement of the shop where he demonstrated his potting skills and sat at the wheel and crafted a beautiful bowl for us.
Charlie, is ever willing to carry luggage up from The New Inn to the Visitor Centre car park. There is a small charge for the service. Mostly, the donkeys are left free simply to provide pleasure and enjoyment for the many visitors.
During the summer, the donkeys carry children around their meadow at the top of the village or can be found in the woods during the winter. This is how it's done now.
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