Barnstaple was formerly referred to as “Barum”, as a contraction of the Latin form of the name ad Barnastapolitum in Latin documents such as the episcopal registers of the Diocese of Exeter. Barum was mentioned by Shakespeare and the name was revived in the Victorian era in several novels.
How did Barnstaple get its name?
Barnstaple. The name is first recorded in the 10th century and is believed to derive from the Old English bearde, meaning “battle-axe”, and stapol, meaning “pillar”, referring to a post or pillar set up to mark a religious or administrative meeting place.
What was Barnstaple famous for?
Barnstaple is well known for its award-winning floral displays. Five miles away is the National Trust stately home of Arlington Court, which boasts an intriguing historic carriage collection.
Is Barnstaple nice place to live?
Barnstaple
It may come as a surprise to many people to see Barnstaple as the number one place to live in Devon. However, as the social centre of North Devon, it always has a lot to do.
How old is Barnstaple?
The town, one of the oldest boroughs in England (chartered c. 930), was walled in the early 12th century and incorporated in 1557. Barnstaple imported wool from Ireland, which, together with local wool, was made into cloth. Silting of the estuary led to the decline of the port, but the town revived in the railway age.
What does Leigh mean in Devon?
clearings
‘Leighs’ are clearings. So Buckfastleigh is the old ley or pasturage of the abbey, and Gidleigh, the clearing of Gytha or Gydda, probably King Harold’s mother who was one of the biggest landowners in eleventh century Devon.
What is the meaning of Barnstaple?
Formerly Barnstable; the name is first recorded in the 10th century and is believed to derive from the Old English bearde (“battle-axe”) and stapol (“pillar”).
What is the crime rate in Barnstaple?
92 crimes per 1,000 people
The overall crime rate in Barnstaple in 2021 was 92 crimes per 1,000 people. This compares poorly to Devon’s overall crime rate, coming in 76% higher than the Devon rate of 52 per 1,000 residents.
When did the Queen visit Barnstaple?
1956
“Her Majesty once made a visit to Barnstaple, back in 1956, and those who were around on that day remember her visit with fond memories.”
Why is Bideford called Bideford?
The etymology of the name means “by the ford”, and records show that before there was a bridge there was a ford at Bideford where River Torridge is estuarine, and at low tide, it is possible, but not advisable, to cross the river by wading on foot.
What is the best part of Devon to live in?
Best Places to Live in Devon
- TOPSHAM – JUST OUTSIDE EXETER. “We moved to Topsham this year.
- SIDMOUTH BY THE SEA. “Sidmouth is certainly one of the best places to live in Devon.
- PLYMOUTH COMBINES SEA & CITY.
- BEAUTIFUL BUDLEIGH SALTERTON.
Who lives at Barnstaple Castlehill?
the Fortescue family
Castle Hill house and gardens are steeped in history and have for centuries been a home to the Fortescue family. The current custodians are the 17th generation of the family to live in the house.
How far is Barnstaple from the sea?
On the north side of Barnstaple, usually reached in 20-25 minutes by car, are the fabulous long sandy beaches of Saunton Sands, Croyde and Woolacombe/Putsborough (recently voted one of the 10 best beaches in the world).
Is Barnstable worth visiting?
Barnstaple does offer an exciting range of family attractions, hikes with wonderful views, outdoor activities and educational activities.
Is Barnstaple good for shopping?
Green Lanes, Barnstaple has plenty of shops to cover all of your shopping needs and when you can shop no more you have options to relax, take the weight off your feet and get a drink or something to eat at one of our cafés or restaurants.
Why is it called a Pannier Market?
A pannier market is a form of indoor market especially popular in Devon in the West Country of the United Kingdom where they can be found in various cities and towns. They take their name from the panniers once used to carry goods to market on the back of pack animals.
What does the word combe mean in Devon?
narrow valley
A combe (/kuːm/; also spelled coombe or coomb and, in place names, comb) can refer either to a steep, narrow valley, or to a small valley or large hollow on the side of a hill; in any case, it is often understood simply to mean a small valley through which a watercourse does not run.
What does Beare mean in Devon?
Beer comes from the Old English word ‘Bere’ or ‘Beare’, meaning ‘Woodland‘. Beer in East Devon is a quiet fishing village in a small bay protected by white chalk cliffs.
What does Barton mean in Devon?
a farm
Barton. The word ‘barton’ appears in many local places. It simply means a farm, derived from Old English bere meaning barley and tun meaning an enclosure.
Why is Woolacombe called Woolacombe?
Woolacombe is steeped in history – a typical Edwardian/Victorian coastal resort town dominated by large villa style houses and grand hotels, it was first recorded in the Domesday book as Wolnecoma, literally meaning ‘Wolves Valley’. At the time the valley was thickly wooded and presumably wolves could be found.
What is Barnstaple in Bloom?
Barnstaple is a beautiful old market town in North Devon. The crossing point of the deep and mysterious River Taw, Barnstaple has been an important part of the economy of North Devon for hundreds of years.