– A unique History
From ancient geology to the remains of forgotten industry, history is all around us in North Devon and Exmoor. But it isn't all in ruins!
Here you can experience history reborn through the passion of local people: like the Kathleen and May, a magnificently restored three masted schooner. On board you'll see how life must have been on one of the last tall ships to ply her trade in the waters of the region.
With such a rich maritime past, seafaring stories abound. Hear the tales of wreckers, smugglers and heroic rescues at museums and attractions all over North Devon and Exmoor: Clovelly and its visitor centre, the Maritime Museum at Appledore, the Hartland Quay Museum, Barnstaple Museum and the curiosity filled museum at Ilfracombe.
The myths of North Devon and Exmoor are ever present too - Tarr Steps, a famous 'clapper bridge' on Exmoor, is believed to be over 3000
years old. Legend has it that it was built by the devil himself after a bet with a local giant! And with tales of witches, scandals and smugglers wherever you go there's always a new story to uncover.
In England's oldest borough, Barnstaple, a visit to the pannier market can evoke visions of another age. It remains an unchanging part of local life, where you can still buy local produce grown by local farmers and smallholders.
For book lovers there are plenty of 'literary connections.' Discover how little Tarka Country has changed since Williamson's novel; stand at the altar in Oare church on Exmoor where Lorna Doone was shot; sit at Charles Kingsley's desk in Clovelly or visit Westward Ho! where Rudyard Kipling spent his school
years. In Lynton you can stay in the hotel where Shelley spent his honeymoon.
A visit to 'Torrington 1646' in the 'Cavalier Town' of Torrington will reveal important events of the Civil War, whilst a day exploring Hartland Abbey will reveal the part the owners played in history - as far back as the twelfth century! At Arlington Court you can see the private collection of a remarkable eccentric, Miss Rosalie Chichester, who filled this magnificent Regency House with treasures from around the world. Like much of North Devon and Exmoor it remains unchanged - so that you're free to enjoy it.
