Fortfield Terrace with its fine views of the sea, was commenced in 1790, just ahead of the publication of this directory.  Note the reference in the text below

"Several rows of good houses have been lately built by the gentry"

©Richard J. Brine

Sidmouth stands on the Channel between Lyme and Exmouth, is 152 miles from London, and stands at the mouth of the river Sid. It was a considerable port but has been so choked up by sands, that no ship in burden can get in, yet it remains one of the chief fishing towns in the shire, and furnishes the east parts of it with much provision.

Here here are seven or eight bathing machines which are private property and of late, Sidmouth has been much resorted to from Bath, Exeter etc. Several rows of good houses have been lately built by the gentry, numbers of whom make it their summer residence. The market days are Tuesday and Saturday; there are fairs on Easter Tuesday and the Wednesday after September 1.

The post from Axminster to Exmouth, passes through Sidmouth on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. No coach or wagon goes regularly to or fro from this place.

The following are the principal inhabitants:

GENTRY

Ash, Gent

Cawley, Gent

Greenfield,  General

CLERGY

Rev. Jenkins Vicar

PHYSICIANS

Hodge,  Surgeon and Man-midwife

Mathews, Surgeon and Apothecary

Searl, Miss  Drugist

Stocker, Surgeon and Apothecary

LAWYER

Clap  Attorney

TRADERS