In 1887, John Bartholomew's Gazetteer of the British Isles described Ilfracombe like this:
Ilfracombe, watering-place, seaport, market town, and par., N. Devon, on Bristol Channel, 11 miles NW. of Barnstaple and 236 miles SW. of London, 5583 ac., pop. 6255; P.O., T.O., 2 Banks, 2 newspapers. Market-days, Wednesday and Saturday. The town has recently risen in importance, chiefly through its sheltered and picturesque position, as well as the salubrity of its atmosphere. These features attract an extensive floating population. The harbour is very good, and there is some coasting trade and fishing. On N. side of harbour is a lighthouse 29 ft. high. with fixcd light (Ilfracombe) 127 ft. above high water and seen 10 miles.
Ilfracombe through time
A Vision of Britain through Time includes a large library of local statistics for administrative units. For the best overall sense of how the area containing Ilfracombe has changed, please see our redistricted information for the modern district of North Devon. More detailed statistical data are available under Units and statistics, which includes both administrative units covering Ilfracombe and units named after it.
GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, History of Ilfracombe in North Devon | Map and description, A Vision of Britain through Time.
URL: http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/847
Date accessed: 19th June 2013
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