ILFRACOMBE IN ROBSON'S DIRECTORY OF 1839

"Wildersmouth, Ilfracombe, from our sitting room window"

Watercolour by Annette Ludlow - painted in July 1837

The harbour consists of a natural basin, defended from the violence of the sea by a bold mass of rock stretching nearly half way across the entrance, and an artificial pier, upwards of 850 feet in length, which has been much improved by Sir Bouchier Wrey, Bart., the lord of the manor. It is safe and commodious, and greatly resorted to, particularly in the winter season, by vessels passing up and down the Channel, from Ireland &c., and also at other times, when, from the state of the weather, it is dangerous to enter the river Taw for Barnstaple. The harbour is bounded westward by several tors, forming sea-marks, the descent from which terminates in the romantic cove of Wildus Mouth. On the eastern side of the entrance is Hillsborough Rock, rising with a rugged outline to 500 feet above the strand. On the opposite side is a smaller rock, surmounted by the chapel lighthouse, as it is called, and connected with Capstan Hill, a lofty elevation, by a chain of lower rocks, lying between the town and the sea.

Upwards of seventy vessels belong to this port and are employed in the coasting trade and the herring fishery; the chief article of export is oats. There is a constant communication by steam packets with Swansea and Bristol.

Ilfracombe has of late years been much frequented as a watering place; it is a very pleasant summer residence, and is also convenient as a central station for tourists visiting this romantic coast. The public Rooms form the centre of the buildings on Coronation Terrace and a regatta was established here in 1828. The hot and cold baths, recently erected at Crewkhorne, are very convenient. The water is conveyed from the sea in pipes, through a tunnel, the prospect from the north side of which is exceedingly attractive, combining magnificent rock scenery and an uninterrupted view of the ocean.

The market, on Saturday, is well-supplied with fish, and annual fairs are held on April 14th and on the first Saturday after August 22nd for cattle.

The church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is a spacious edifice. The living is a vicarage, value £150 per annum, in the patronage of the Prebendary of Ilfracombe in Salisbury Cathedral. Here are chapels for Independents and Methodists, several charity schools and other charitable institutions. The parish of Ilfracombe is in Barnstaple Union. Sir Bouchier Wrey, Bart., occasionally resides here. Eastward of the town is Watermouth, the seat of Joseph Davie Bassett Esq.; it is a modern mansion in the castellated style, with octagonal towers and battlements, beautifully situated near Watermouth Cove, which abounds in picturesque and romantic scenery.

A Guide to Ilfracombe, containing more extended information, has been published by Mr. John Banfield, bookseller of this town.

COACHES: 

To Barnstaple - Mail Coach from the Britannia Hotel: leaves mornings at 7, returns evenings at ½ past six.

WATER CONVEYANCE: 

Steam Packets

To Bristol - The Herald, weekly. Amos Fry, agent

To Hayle, St Ives Etc. The Herald, Weekly. Amos Fry, agent

To Bristol - A steamer on Wednesdays in the winter and twice a week during the summer. John Martin, agent

To Swansea - A steamer twice a week in the summer. John Martin, agent.

Sailing Vessels

To Bristol - Little Western, once in three weeks. George White, master.

CARRIERS:

To Barnstaple - John Baker from his own house daily

To Barnstaple - Richard Blackmore, the the London Inn daily.

To Barnstaple - John Pugsley from the Star Inn daily.

To Barnstaple - Thomas Vound from his own house daily.

NAMES, RESIDENCE AND PROFESSION

Alder, Mrs

Lodging House Keeper

Aston, William Claridge

Ironmonger

Avery, Joshua

Blacksmith

Badcock, John

The Star Inn

Baker, J T

Tailor

Balshan, Mrs

Lodging House Keeper

Banfield, John

Bookseller and printer

Barron, Mrs.

Lodging House Keeper

Bassett, Joseph Davie Esq.

Watermouth

Bennett, George

Victualler, The Swan PH

Berry, Thomas

North Country PH

Bright, John Adams

Carpenter

Burgess, William

Shopkeeper

Camp, James, jun.

Wine & Spirit merchant

Camp, James

Royal Clarence Hotel

Capel, John

Lodging House Keeper

Carpenter, Alfred

Baker

Challacombe & Co.

Ropemakers

Challacombe, Nicholas

Victualler,The King's Arms PH

Chiswell, Thomas

Carpenter

Clarke, David

Grocer &c.

Clarke, Richard

Draper

Clements, George

Shopkeeper

Coats, George

Victualler, TheCrown PH

Coats, Thomas

Grocer, draper & auctioneer

Colwill, William

Victualler, George & Dragon PH

Conibeer, William

Blacksmith