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Ilfracombe is an ancient sea port
market town, most picturesque and
fashionable bathing
place, on the North Devon coast. In fact in the 16th century,
Illfracombe, was thus described in a journal, "as a fishing village
situated a distance about, 10 miles N by W of Barnstaple.
Ilfracombe is built
partly at the bottom, and partly on the side, and summit of a steep
hill.
And till about 30 years ago, it consisted chiefly of one long
street. But since then. Illfracombe has risen to great celebrity as a
watering place. And to accommodate the numerous visitors who flock to
Ilfracombe each summer the many rows of neat houses, and handsome
marine villas which were built on the terraces.have been converted to
Hotels and Guest houses. Hot, and cold, baths and a commodious suit, of
public rooms have been erected. And tunnels have been cut through the
rocky cliffs, to the fine beach and coves of Crewkhorne. Which affords
better and more retired places for sea-bathing than Wildersmouth, the
old bathing place.
The parish of Ilfracombe comprises 5583 acres of land, rising in bold
hills from the coast, and including many scattered farm-houses, and the
small hamlets,& consists of, Damage, Campscott, Slade,
Warcombe, and Lincombe. Its population amounted in 1850 to more than
4000 souls.'"
The photograph of Ilfracombe above is by kind permission of Roy
Churchill, you can see more of Roy's great photographs Roy Churchill
Photographs on the links right of screen
All the previous text was wrote about Illfracombe in the
year 1850. And it describes the building of the famous tunnels which
allowed the
Victorian holidaymaker easy access to the resorts beach's, until these
tunnels were built the beach's were very difficult to access. Yes it
was the the building
of the tunnels by highly skilled welsh miners which have contributed
greatly to the success Illfracoombe enjoys today as a coastal resort.
Today Ilfracombe is a very lively place North Devon's very own
Blackpool. Minus the illuminations of course. But Illfracombe still
manages to retain its Victorian charm with many lovely villas.Most of
which
most are now holiday accommodation, But are still nice to look at, and
give one an insight in to Victorian England.
Indeed if you visit the towns museum, you will see that the town has
not
changed a great deal. In 1850 Illfracombe was described as North
Devon's, Brighton today I think North Devon's, Blackpool would be a
more
apt description.? And just like it's northern compatriot. it is bright.
lively, breezy, and
bustling. So what does Illfracombe offer.? Well obviously sailing and
sea
fishing are a big attraction and a lot of people enjoy snorkeling in
the clear water. Then there are day trips to Lundy Island a wonderful
place to see wild creatures both in the sea, and air. For Lundy is a
haven for sea birds. One place to definitely miss is a monstrosity
called the Landmark Theater. Though the locals have many far more
colourfu,l and descriptive names for this blot on the landscape, I
prefer to call it what it is an eye-sore. How the
council ever sanctioned this building is beyond the concept of normal
people, but who ever said councilors were normal people.? The Old Corn
Mill, and Pottery, at Helle Bay is a 16th century watermill
with a
18-foot overshot wheel design, that is unique to North Devon.
Originally
built
in 1525, it is now restored to its former glory: after lying abandoned
and in ruins, for years. Believe me it is well worth visiting.
Another must is Watermouth Castle theme park, which is great for
children, with its adventure land, merrygoland, gnome land, fairy land,
and dungeon labyrinths. Coombe Martin, with its dinosaurs is
not to far
away. Chambercoombe Manor which is mentioned in the 'Domesday Book, is
a place combining history and tranquility. The Manor dates from the
11th century, and the garden and water feature is lovely quiet and
tranquil
place, just what one needs when one needs a quiet break from a busy
itinerary. And of course,
you can enjoy a Devon cream tea in the cafe Not far from Ilfracombe is
Berrynarbour, which one finds at the far end of the delightful
Sterridge Valley. This beautiful coastal village, has quaint cottages,
and narrow streets, also a 15 century manor house: which later
served as a village school. Also there is a 12 century church,
Berrynarbour, takes it's name from the Berry family who lived
in the
manor house.
Woolacombe beach is also another delightful place situated 6 miles from
Illfracombe, it is justifiably claimed to be the finest beach in North
Devon. Lying between two headlands, it has beautiful golden sand. In
the 19th century Woolacombe was nothing more than a small hamlet. The
inhabitants earning a meager living from fishing. Then, the leisured
class, developed a mania for sea bathing initiated by King George.3rd.
Inspired by this two families the Fortescues, and the Chitchesters,
began to construct villas, and hotel's which can still be seen today.
And
give the town a graceful Victorian charm, combined with a genteel,
atmosphere. Illfracombe,
itself have some of the best shopping facilities in the area, and
Exmoor, is within easy reach. Plus places like Barnstaple,
Clovelly, and Lynmouth.
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