Pictures of Barnstaple
About Barnstaple
The surrounding countryside to the pleasant town of Barnstaple was the inspiration for the book - Tarka the Otter. This is unsurprising as the town nestles amidst fine Devonshire countryside in the valley of the River Taw at a point where the river is spanned by a 15th-century multi-arched Long Bridge. The town has been the administrative, commercial and agricultural centre for North Devon since Saxon times and is believed to be the oldest Borough in England.
Barnstaple has some noted historic buildings and the parish church of St.Peter, consecrated in 1318, is easily identified by it's twisted wood and lead spire that dates from early in the 17th-century. Queen Anne's walk (1609-29) was once a meeting place for merchants and ship owners whose bargains were settled on the Tome Stone, used as a money table. Castle House stands upon the ground of a former castle - some of the stone from the castle was used in the structure of Castle House. A fine building of 1456 was used as a grammar school from the end of the 17th-century until 1910 and John Gay who wrote The Beggar's Opera was once a pupil here and there are items associated with him on display in the museum.
Perhaps of all the historic buildings in Barnstaple, the great Regency House called Arlington Court ranks as one of the finest. It is stunningly set in wonderous parkland grazed by herds of Jacob sheep and Shetland ponies, buzzards can be seen here and by the lake, a sanctury for wild duck, is a heronry. The house, once a private home belonging to Miss Rosalie Chichester who lived here for 84 years, contains a vast treasure chest of objects collected by Miss Chichester from all over the world. Importantly, in around 1948 discovered among the rubbish on top of a cupboard in the house, was Blake's water-colour - The Circle of the Life of Man. It is thought to have been bought direct from William Blake by the first owner of Arlington, Colonel J.P.Chichester. The elaborate composition, supreme condition and unusual technique make the painting exceptional in the range of Blake's art. The Stable block has a fine display of 19th-century horse drawn carraiges. This amazing property is open to the public from March to october and is well worth a visit.
Barnstaple is a lively town and makes an ideal centre from which to explore the beautiful coastal towns and villages of North Devon and beyond. It also provides easy access to the wonders of Exmoor Forest. It is a spacious genteel town with pleasant walks and gardens, it offers a warm welcome to visitors and has a wide selection of restaurants, inns and public houses. There are excellent recreational facilities and the shopping experience is excellent. It is a town to enjoy and from which you will garner many happy memories. Other places of interest include; Branhams Pottery, Marwood Hill Gardens and Exmoor Zoological Park.
