Downingtown has linked to Bradninch Devon in the United Kingdom as a sister city, writes Bill Rettew for The Daily Local News. 

Downingtown was named after Thomas Downing II, who also resided in the town’s new sister city. He left Bradninch in the early 18^th century and emigrated to the U.S. 

The sister city mission was spearheaded by Ryan Roe, an East Brandywine Township resident, discovering the connection between the two towns. 

Bradninch, owned mostly by King Charles, is located in the southwest of the UK with a population of about 2,000. On his recent visit to the sister city, Roe noted that the town is extremely walkable and exudes the close-knit, small-town aesthetic. 

“It’s a very welcoming kind of town where everybody knows everyone and cares about everyone,” Roe said. “It’s very representative of British culture.” Roe could see himself living there. 

There was a “Formal Sister Agreement,” which was signed by both mayors with a few designs such as promoting international goodwill and understanding between the two cities and their respective nations and to foster and encourage charitable, cultural, trade and commerce, and more between Downingtown and Bradninch.

Read more about Downingtown’s sister city and Roe’s trip at The Daily Local News. 

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