Barnstaple

Barnstaple is a Town in the county of Devon.

Barnstaple postcode: EX32 7

Retail in Barnstaple

There are great places to visit near Barnstaple including some great cities, historic buildings, villages, canals, rivers and streams, beaches, geological features, sssis, hiking areas, nature reserves, towns, parks, airports, castles and ruins.

The area close to Barnstaple boasts some of the best cities including Exeter.

Exeter Cathedral, St Mary Steps, and St Stephen's Church - Exeter are some of Barnstaple best historic buildings to visit near Barnstaple.

Villages to visit near Barnstaple include Starcross, Lynton and Lynmouth, Littleham, Otterton, Branscombe, Beer, and Hope Cove.

Exeter Canal, and Grand Western Canal at Tiverton are great places to visit near Barnstaple if you like canals.

East Lyn River is a great place to visit close to Barnstaple if you like rivers and streams.

There are a several good beaches in the Barnstaple area like Blacklands Beach, Branscombe Beach, and Hope Cove.

Geological Features to visit near Barnstaple include Valley of Rocks.

Don't miss Dartmoor's sssis if visiting the area around Barnstaple.

Don't miss Dartmoor's hiking areas if visiting the area around Barnstaple.

There are a number of nature reserves near to Barnstaple including Dartmoor.

There are a several good towns in the Barnstaple area like Dartmouth, Tiverton, Crediton, Topsham, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, and Seaton.

Bicton Park is a great place to visit close to Barnstaple if you like parks.

There are a several good airports in the area around Barnstaple like Exeter Airport.

Don't miss Berry Pomeroy Castle's castles if visiting the area around Barnstaple.

Don't miss Berry Pomeroy Castle's ruins if visiting the area around Barnstaple.

Barnstaple History

There are some historic monuments around Barnstaple:

Places to see near Barnstaple

History of Barnstaple

In the 1340s the merchants of the town claimed that the rights of a free borough had been granted to them by King Athelstan in a lost charter. Although this was challenged from time to time by subsequent lords of the manor, it still allowed the merchants an unusual degree of self-government. The town’s wealth in the Middle Ages was founded on its being a staple port licensed to export wool. It had an early merchant guild, known as the Guild of St. Nicholas. In the early 14th century it was the third richest town in Devon, behind Exeter and Plymouth, and it was the largest textile centre outside Exeter until about 1600. Its wool trade was further aided by the town’s port, from which in 1588 five ships were contributed to the force sent to fight the Spanish Armada. Barnstaple was one of the “privileged ports” of the Spanish Company, (established 1577) whose armorials are visible on two of the mural monuments to 17th century merchants[b] in St Peter’s Church, and on the decorated plaster ceiling of the former “Golden Lion Inn”, 62 Boutport Street (now a restaurant next to the Royal and Fortescue Hotel).[c] The developing trade with America in the 16th and 17th centuries greatly benefited the town. The wealthy merchants that this trade created built impressive town houses, some of which survive behind more recent frontages they include No. 62 Boutport Street, said to have one of the best plaster ceilings in Devon. The merchants also built several almshouses including Penrose’s, and ensured their legacy by dedicating elaborate monuments to their families inside the church.

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Lakes near Barnstaple

    Rivers near Barnstaple

    Where to Eat in Barnstaple