Historic Barnstaple
Barnstaple is the oldest self-governing town in the UK. It has been linked with the wool trade since the middle ages when a ‘staple’ port was one that was designated for the export of wool. The town also has a strong maritime heritage, evidenced by the fact that it had its own mint by the end of the 11th Century and it housed ships that fought against the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Barnstaple is located on the River Taw. Interesting buildings, such as those on Butchers Row, built in 1855, and the Pannier, or vegetable market, which was built in 1855 and has a distinctive high glass and timber roof, still remind visitors of how this busy town would have appeared in the past.
Although there is now a small railway station in Barnstaple, a grand mainline station once graced the town. It was closed in 1970, but Barnstaple can still boast a cafe that has been rated within the top ten best in the UK by a national newspaper!
Little of the initial charm of the original 1852 railway remains, however, and so visitors who are looking for a taste of the past are well advised to take a trip on the Tarka Line steam railway to enjoy the picturesque route between Barnstaple and Exeter.
Barnstaple’s town centre is earmarked for pedestrianisation and a £300m regeneration programme from 2012, which will be focused around the Queen’s theatre.
Modernisation is unlikely to prompt the town to let go of its maritime past, however, and the feat of singlehandedly navigating the globe in 1966 will surely ensure that local yachtsman, Sir Frances Chichester retains his status as Barnstaple’s local hero for many years to come.