Barnstaple
Barnstaple
Records show that Barnstaple had a charter as far back as ad 940 and that it was a busy centre for trade then. The merchants of the town claimed a charter had been granted to them as far back as King Athelstan although subsequent lords of the manor challenged this from time to time, it still allowed the merchants an unusual degree of self-government.
The town continued to grow with its sheltered location on the river Taw it became a privilege port with a license to export becoming the third richest town in Devon. This wealth was founded on textiles particularly wool and yarn.
Barnstaple soon established itself as a major port for trade with the Americas this declined when the river silted up and the railways arrived, today the town is an agricultural centre.
The towns rich merchants left an architectural legacy which still can be seen behind some more modern facades, as well town houses and memorials in local churches.
The town has numerous little alleyways to explore as well as places like the covered Pannier market which hosts numerous traditional craft and antique’s markets. This market has been voted on of the top ten food markets in Britain.
The Butchers row that originally housed 33 butchers’ shops is now home to an assortment of shops.
Other places to explore include:
The gothic revival church of the holy trinity as well as the parish church that was once used as grammar school and attended by John Gray the Author of the beggar’s opera.
The Queen Anne building, which dates from trade with America it now houses the heritage centre.
The large mound that is the remains of the base of the Norman castle keep.
The Three Tuns Pub once the haunt of smugglers.
The Guildhall.
The Tarka trail 180 miles long and one of the most popular walks in Britain this passes through beautiful countryside featured in Henry Williamsons Novel.
Nearby scenic villages like Clovelly Bideford and Appledore can be visited.
Rudyard Kipling’s novel stalky and co is set in Bideford where he went to school, Clovelly attracts visitors interested in Charles Kingsley’s novel Westward Ho.
Activities in Barnstaple
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