Brambles Bed and Breakfast
Whitnage Cottage | Whitnage | Uplowman | Tiverton | Devon | EX16 7DS
01884 829211 | Email
Barnstaple B&B Accommodation
Hotel | Bed and Breakfast | Accommodation | Barnstaple | Devon
Brambles Bed and Breakfast is 50 minutes (34.9 miles) via A361 from Barnstaple in Devon.
About Barnstaple:
Barnstaple is North Devon's historic administrative and market center, known as one of England's oldest boroughs, situated at a crossing point on the River Taw, blending ancient architecture (like its 16-arch Long Bridge and Norman castle mound) with modern shopping, dining, and cultural venues, serving as a gateway to the coast and Exmoor National Park. History & Heritage Oldest Borough: Chartered around 930 AD, it's one of the UK's oldest boroughs. River Taw: Founded at the lowest crossing point of the River Taw, with its medieval street plan still visible. Landmarks: Features include the historic Pannier Market (since 1855), the Norman castle mound, the 13th-century Long Bridge, and Queen Anne's Walk. Modern Hub Regional Center: Serves as the primary retail, cultural, and educational hub for North Devon. Shopping & Food: Offers traditional high street shops, boutiques, and numerous bars and restaurants. Culture: Hosts events, has a museum (North Devon Museum), and the Queen's Theatre. Location & Access Gateway: Provides easy access to the scenic North Devon coast (Woolacombe, Croyde) and Exmoor National Park. Transport: Well-connected by bus and train, with services to Exeter. Tarka Trail: A central point for the popular cycling and walking Tarka Trail.
History of Barnstaple:
Barnstaple is England's oldest borough, founded as a Saxon fortified town (burh) by King Alfred in the late 9th century, evolving into a vital wool trading port known as "Barum," rich from the wool trade by the Middle Ages, and later becoming a railway hub, preserving its rich history in landmarks like its ancient Long Bridge and Pannier Market, despite shifts in trade as the river silted up. Early Origins & Saxon Roots Saxon Burh: Established by Alfred the Great in the late 9th century to defend against Vikings. First Charter: Received its first charter from King Athelstan in 930 AD, allowing markets and a fair. Mint: Had its own mint before the Norman Conquest. Medieval Prosperity & The Wool Trade Free Borough: Merchants claimed "free borough" status, granting autonomy and fostering trade. Wool Staple: Became a major wool-exporting port, ranking as Devon's third richest town in the 14th century. Staple Port: A "Port of the Staple" for wool, contributing ships to fight the Spanish Armada in 1588. Key Landmarks & Features Long Bridge: An ancient stone bridge, potentially with a medieval drawbridge, existing since at least 1200. Pannier Market: A historic market site, with roots in Saxon times, formalized by acts of Parliament and opening in its current form in 1855. Queen Anne's Walk: A beautiful 18th-century colonnade, once a merchants' exchange, featuring heraldic shields. The Square: The heart of the town, central to its markets and history. Decline as a Port & Continued Importance Siltation: The River Taw silted up, making it impractical as a major port. Railway Hub: Became a significant railway junction, keeping it a commercial center. Modern Identity Barum: Its historical name, mentioned by Shakespeare and revived in Victorian times. Rich Heritage: A town with deep roots, visible in its architecture and traditions, despite economic changes.
Brambles Bed and Breakfast
Whitnage Cottage | Whitnage | Uplowman | Tiverton | Devon | EX16 7DS
01884 829211 | Email