Records for Bideford are mostly held at the main record Offices...
http://www.devon.gov.uk/print/north_record_office (Barnstaple)
http://www.devon.gov.uk/record_office.htm (Exeter)
These websites may also be useful as records are often available locally at museums etc...
http://www.burtonartgallery.co.uk/index.php/abouthttp://genuki.cs.ncl.ac.uk/DEV/Bideford/index.htmlGood luck.