Combe-Martin The pretty North Devon coastal village of Combe-Martin. Is a very historic little place indeed for we can see from records, that the village was first recorded as Cromer in 1128, The name derives from the old English word cumb, meaning wooded valley, and the Norman influence can clearly be seen by the affix 'Martin'. For the area was held by the French nobleman, FritzMartin who held title to the land from circa 1100,-1326.  Although the village existed long before 1100,. It was originally a Saxon village prior to the Norman Invasion, and bore the Saxon name Marhuscombeia: and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1088.  Mining played an important part in the history of the village, from the 13th century, until the 1800s; lead, iron, and the most valuable mineral silver being extracted from numerous mines that dotted the area. You can still see the evidence of just how extensive the mining was for around the village are still the remnants of  abandoned silver mines, spoil heaps, and the remains of an old mine engine house still stands on Knap Down. It ia also said that the famous battle's, of Cressy,and Agincourt, were financed by selling Combe Martin silver? What we do know however is that although the silver extracted from Combe-Martin's mines made the land owner wealthy; it did not do much for the miners who lived in abject poverty? In the Elizabethan era, new mines were sunk for the silver being of the highest quality was much sought after by Elizabethan silver-smiths. And a lot of the beautiful silver service's, and ornaments that adorn England's stately homes today: are made from Combe-Martin silver. The silver was also exported by ship from nearby town of Barnstaple, in fact a lot of Barnstaple's, wealth was built on Combe-Martin silver. 

This pretty little coastal village like so many in north Devon, had to revert from traditional means of surviving, to tourism, which given Combe-Martin's history and beautiful location was not very hard to do: for the area sold its-self. The village is close to the busy seaside resort of Ilfracombe, Exmoor, Clovelly, Croyde, Bideford, and north Devon's main town Barnstapleare all nearby. So it is easy to see that all north Devon has to offer is available to holiday-makers who choose to holiday in Combe Martin. And this is besides what the village its-self offers. The main street is said to be the longest in England, 2 miles in fact, and at one time there were nine pubs, now thats my sort of village! all on the same side of the road (The London Inn, Top George, Lion Inn, George and Dragon, The Castle, Pack O' Cards, The Marine, The Dolphin and the  Fo'c's'le Inn), enabling customers to progress from one to the other without fear of being knocked down. And part of the annual Carnival celebrations, is a wheelbarrow race over the length of the village, competitors having to stop at each pub and consume a glass of beer before continuing. Now that is definitely an event I would like to enter, as long as I was sitting in the wheelbarrow!!!. Alas I have been reliably informed to participate in the race one must be cold stone sober!  leading off the main street are 'sunken lanes' cut into the valley sides. Combe-Martin has another claim to fame 'strawberries' for Combe Marin strawberries are reputed to be the finest in the World. The village are so proud of their strawberries  that they hold an annual strawberry fayre in June which celebrates the combe martin strawberry!

Another quaint historic event is, The "The Hunting of the Earl of Rone" this annual procession features the rare hobby horse of England; and a character called the Earl of Rone. "The Hunting of the Earl of Rone"  takes place over a weekend, finishing with a two-mile procession along the main street, featuring, as well as the Hobby Horse, and the Earl of Rone, a Fool, ( thats me ) "Grenadiers", drummers, music, a donkey, and hundreds of dancers in festive dress. The custom was banned in 1837, (due to 'licentiousness and drunken behavior') however the event was re-instated in 1970. The legend has it that the Earl of Tyrone fleeing Ireland in 1607, was shipwrecked at Rapparee Beach, Ilfracombe harbour, and the carnival depicts the inhabitants searching for the wanted Earle. In actual fact, he made it to the continent. It is an lively, interesting, and noisy event which takes place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend each year. But you can be assured everybody has great fun both participants and spectators. 

Villages such as Combe-Martin sucessfully cater for every thing a holiday maker needs, a beach to take a dip, or sunbathe, beautiful countryside teeming with widlife where one can take a leisurely, stroll, larger towns near by if you fancy a more boisterous night out, or take in a summer show, all combined with a fascinating history. Combe-Martin village houses a very good Information Center, an Museum that vividly illustrates Combe Martin's interesting mining history, and maritime past. There is a particularly wonderful pub aptly called The Pack of Cards why aptly named?, because in the 1700s the original owner George Ley was reputed to have won the money to build the pub at cards? The Church of St. Peter ad Vincular is a red sandstone building and the southern door has a Sanctuary Ring. This ring saved criminals from arrest and imprisonment. If they held onto the ring and then confessed their crimes their only punishment was that they had to leave the country ( transportation was not a punishment? ) This practice was abolished by the establishment in the 17th century. To the east of Combe-Martin Bay; are the Hangman hills, the Hangman cliffs are made up of Little Hangman and the Great Hangman. The Great Hangman is a hog-backed hill of 1043ft, with a cliff-face of 820ft, making it the highest cliff in southern England, and can be reached by following the famous South West Coast Path, which runs through the town, the great hangman offers you a wonderful view of the north Devon coastline. A bonus if you need one is the village lies within the North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. That other great north Devon attraction wonderful Exmoor is within easy traveling distance, as are all the towns and villages such as Ilfracombe,  Barnstaple, Bideford, Croyde, and Lynmouth. So it is plain to see with its history and location Combe-Martin is indeed the perfect holiday location

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