Search the Exmoor Encyclopedia Pages
Combe Martin
| 
Combe Martin
Combe Martin derives its name from 'combe' - a wooded valley - and from the Norman family Martin that inherited this manor from one of the supporters of William the Conqueror. From 1730 until 1919, when the manor properties were sold, Combe Martin had absentee landlords. this absence of a resident squire is one of the factors that contributed to the development of a village different from the adjoining squire-dominated villages. this fabulous small museum illustrates Combe Martin's history with artefacts, photographs, maps and pictures of the old village industries in silver mining, lime quarrying and burning, agriculture and horticulture together with details of its maritime history.
The village of Combe Martin, nestling in a fertile valley with the sea on one side and Exmoor National Park on the other, is spectacular. The sheltered harbour was once used for ship building, fishing and trading in strawberries and hemp to Wales. It has a sandy/shingly beach, with rocks and pools to explore at low tide. Around the harbour and along the main street, which runs up and away from the beach for about 2 miles, is a collection of shops, houses, cafes and pubs, a rich mixture of colours, shapes and sizes.
Paths lead from the village for those who enjoy walking, or want to get a better view of the village, the unspoilt and rugged coastline, or Exmoor, with its heather-covered hills and deep wooded valleys. Little and Great Hangman are particularly popular view points.Combe Martin is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and its history can be followed in the local museum. Here information can be found about the ancient silver and lead mines. In the summer there are regular guided walks to the mines.
The 12th Century church of St Peter ad Vincula with its fine Rood Screen, West Challacombe Manor with its hammer beam roof, and Chambercombe Manor with its background of smuggling are well worth a visit.
With its pretty neighbouring village of Berrynarbor, Combe Martin has its share of Carnivals, Open Gardens, Fayres and Music Festivals which attract many visitors. In the late spring Bank Holiday, villagers are involved in the colourful ancient ritual of the 'Hunting of the Earl of Rone'. Both villages have been awarded various best kept village awards over recent years. Combe Martin is an ideal base for holiday makers of all tastes, types and ages. The approach to Combe Martin, along the coastal road, offers the visitor glimpses of some of the most stunning views in North Devon. The two headlands of Great and Little Hangman dominate the scene which greets visitors to the village as they journey down to the pretty sheltered harbour below.
The village is long and narrow with one street which leads down to the sea. The village was built on the rich silver mines, men were brought from Derbyshire and Wales to work them, the silver went towards paying for the Hundred Years War. In the 18th century a gambler built a strange house an inn, which reflected his occupation, a house of cards with chimneys on every corner.
Combe Martin derives its name from 'combe' - a wooded valley - and from the Norman family Martin who inherited this manor from one of the supporters of William the Conqueror. From 1730 until 1919, when the Manor properties were sold, Combe Martin had absentee landlords. This absence of a resident squire is one of the factors that contributed to the development of a village character different from the adjoining squire-dominated villages.
St Peters Church Combe Martin
The church has a magnificent tower rising to 100' with niches occupied by statues. The north side of the church has battlements, the chancel is 13th century with wooden screen and the font is 14th century. There is a memorial to George Ley the gambler and builder of the inn. The approach to Combe Martin, along the coastal road, offers the visitor glimpses of some of the most stunning views in North Devon.
The main street is 1.5 miles long stretching along the Umber valley down to the seashore and is reputedly the longest village street in England, where there is a sand and shingle beach and a small harbour. The village was once a silver mining centre and boasts a fine church, interesting 'Pack of Cards' inn and a host of facilities for visitors. You will find the National Park Visitor Centre and Tourist Information in Cross Street. There is a wildlife and Dinosaur Park. There are guided walks led by local villagers and the ancient custom held on the Spring Bank Holiday - The Hunting of the Earl of Rhone.
The name is derived from "Combe" meaning a small wooded valley and Martin from the name of the Norman family who inherited the manor from one of the supporters of William the Conqueror. It is a small seaside resort with a sheltered cove on the edge of the Exmoor National Park. Due to the narrowness of the valley, it is composed principally of one single long street which runs two miles from the valley head to the sea.
Combe Martin Church
One of its unusual features is the "Pack of Cards" pub built around 1700 by George Ley. Reputed to have been funded by his gambling successes it originally had 52 windows, 13 rooms and 4 floors (matching the numbers from a traditional pack of cards.
www.combemartin.org.uk Combe Martin's Community Website
A superb family beach a mixture of sand and pebbles. Low tide reveals an abundance of rock pools, deep caves and areas of firm clean golden sand beyond the weir. The weir also creates ideal water for swimming free from strong currents. Public houses, café's and shops are located just off the beach.
Beach Type: Sand/Shingle - Dogs: Dog access restricted. The beach at Combe Martin is a mixture of sand, pebbles and fascinating rocky shore, which at low tide extends into large areas of firm clean sand. There are also a number of other secluded bays within a short walk of the village centre at Sandy Cove and Newberry Beach. Their rocky nature provides an added attraction, especially for children, in the form of numerous rock pools teeming with sea creatures. The beaches are all within the North Devon Voluntary Marine Conservation Area which stretches from Combe Martin to Woolacombe.
Pack o' Cards Combe Martin
The village of Combe Martin dates back to Saxon times, and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Originally called Marhuscombe, it became Combe Martin after William the Conqueror gave the village to Martin of Tours. It is locally known as 'Shamwick'. Combe Martin is a linear village with houses built along the bottom of the valley. As a result, the village has possibly the longest main street in England -approximately two miles.
Until the end of the 19th century, the harbour used to be filled with coastal vessels. Most of the roads were little more than dirt tracks, so the majority of the areas goods had to be transported by sea. Horses and carts and pack ponies were used to carry goods from the ships beached in the harbour. Mining for silver was once very important here and evidence of silver mines, and also limekilns, can still be seen.
Combe Martin Beach
The village is dominated by the tower of the parish Church of St. Peter ad Vincula, rising in four stages to some ninety-nine feet in height The nave dates back to Norman times. The Pack of Cards is an interesting listed building, constructed to celebrate a large win at cards. It has four storjes and thirteen doors on each floor, representing the four suits and the number of cards in each suit The house originally had fifty - two windows: the number of cards in a pack. Combe Martin (population 2,451) is a classic linear settlement, reputedly having the country's longest village street. Characteristic 'sunken lanes' cut into the valley sides away from the street to the medieval strip fields and sites of former silver mines. Lying mostly outside the National Park, the village provides many services, including shops, cafes, restaurants, bank, health centre and National Park Centre. The beach and nearby Wild Pear Beach have great geological interest and lie within the National Park. Anyone approaching Combe Martin from South Molton or Blackmore Gate would note from the steep and winding descent from the heights of Exmoor towards the Bristol Channel that this is an unusual place. The long narrow valley with its continuous line of houses was not always so. In the past there were two distinct communities; a sea-faring fishing community around the harbour and a more conventional agricultural one sited around the Church. This community was once a 'borough', one of about seventy which were created in Devon in the 13th and 14th centuries. A borough granted the right to hold a fair and market and the inhabitants (the burgesses) were freed from control of the Manor Court to engage in trade and industry. Because Combe Martin had a mostly absentee landlord the villagers were able to govern themselves. To this day village people are termed either 'Headtowners' or 'Seasiders' according to where they live.
On the south facing fields remains can be seen of ancient 'strip' fields. Combe Martin was once famous for producing quantities of fine early potatoes, strawberries and, in earlier times, hemp Behind the old parish Church there is evidence of a large mound, allegedly the remains of a castle. The whole area around j and to the west is known as 'Park', a fairly clear indication of a deer park.
Mining for silver/lead probably began in earnest in medieval times and this industry was based in the old borough areas. It is claimed that the battles of Cressy, Poitiers and Agincourt were won largely in the mineshafts of Combe Martin. In the reign of Elizabeth I, new mines were sunk and silver was produced in quantity. The fine quality of Combe Martin silver is said to be unequalled and from the profits large silver cups were made and presented to the Earl of Bath and to Richard Martyn, Lord Mayor of London. The mines have been worked on and off for perhaps seven centuries and there is still evidence of mine spoil heaps in the village itself, whilst a ruined engine house still stands on Knap Down.
Combe Martin has an annual ceremony called 'Hunting of the Earl of Rone', when a re-enactment of a so called historical event takes place at the end of May. Villagers dance through the streets 'hunting' for the Earl. When the victim is found in Ladies Wood at the top of the village he is mounted the wrong way around on a donkey and paraded down to Seaside. All this to the accompaniment of red-coated 'grenadiers' who fire muskets at intervals and a hobby horse who joins the dancing throng. It is curious to note that of the many other boroughs which have features such as medieval field systems, mines, hobby horses or strawberry growing, there is no other which can claim to have ALL these except for Combe Martin. Perhaps the old local saying, 'Out Jj of the World and into Combe Martin' is well and truly justified!
The main beach is cleaned regularly during the summer season, however, natural forces tend to both scour the sand and gravel and deposit seaweed on it. The seaweed is a habitat of many wild creatures and is therefore vital for the health of the coastal margin. The water is safe for swimming although there are strong currents outside the bay. Those strolling out at low tide should be aware of the tide times as it is easy to be cut off if one is unprepared. Tide times are displayed daily on the notice board at the Information Centre or books of tables may be purchased.
The area is regarded as so environmentally important and of such scenic splendour that other organisations share responsibility for its conservation. The National Trust owns the headlands above Combe Martin as far as the deep, wooded Heddon Valley. The Heritage Coast Service looks after the interface between land and sea, westwards to llfracombe and Woolacombe. Off the coast, two hours away by boat, is Lundy Island.
The Tarka Trail passes through our village, following the South West Coastal footpath - so whichever way you look, or track you take. Rangers, Wardens and volunteers are working to ensure the scenery and paths are preserved to show their unspoilt natural beauty for your enjoyment.
The National Cycle Route is a circular route connecting Barnstaple via llfracombe, Combe Martin, Lynton and Lynmouth and Simonsbath with the Route 3 National Cycle Network. The Pack O' Cards Inn, built by a local landowner in the 17th century from his winnings in a card game. The house was built to represent a pack of cards with 4 floors, 13 rooms and a total of 52 windows.
Combe Martin grew up a a prosperous harbour exporting locally grown strawberries and hemp, which grew well in the mild climate and fertile land. This coastal area also contained precious metals including silver, so mining became a flourishing industry in the 16th Century. Evidence of these mines is still visable, although they are no longer worked today. There is a good museum in the village which recounts the history of the area with displays and memorabilia from the past. Other points of interest include the 12th Century parish church, noted for its fine rood screen, a toy museum and West Challacombe Manor.
Combe Martin Tourist Information & Visitor Centre
Cross Street, Combe Martin, North Devon EX34 ODH Tel: 01271 883319
ANNUAL events IN COMBE MARTIN
Each Spring Bank Holiday the village holds the 'Hunting of the Earl of Rone Festival', a re-enactment of an ancient legend. Today locals dressed as grenadiers, drummers and musicians J form a parade led by a Hunting the Earl of Rone Hobby Horse to hunt Out
the Earl, who rides backwards on a donkey. The Earl is shot by the grenadiers, revived by the Hobby Horse, remounted on his donkey, before being eventually thrown into the sea.
Another annual event is the 'Strawberry Fayre', held mid-June, to celebrate the strawberry season. Strawberries have been grown in the region for centuries and today there are a number of "pick your own" farms which allow visitors to collect their own fruit.
Combe Martin's music & Comedy Festival takes place the first week in July and the carnival takes place each August. Further details and dates are available from the local Tourist Information Centre.
Combe Martin: Extraordinarily long village, ribboning down a valley to the sea on the western edge of Exmoor. Small mainly pebble/rock-pool beach. Shops, pubs (including bizarre and famous Pack of Cards Inn), fine church. wildlife park close by. Exceptionally beautiful 10 mile cliff/cove coast walk (path) via Woody Bay to Lynton/Lynmouth . Woolacombe’s sand/surf beaches, also about 10 miles; Saunton’s superb golf course and beaches and Braunton Burrows nature reserve, about 14;Ilfracombe(resort town, entertainments, boats to Lundy Island), 7½.
Situated in a beautiful and fertile valley, or combe, on the western edge of Exmoor, Combe Martin lies at the centre of some of North Devon's most spectacular coastal scenery.
The approach to Combe Martin along the coastal road is dominated by the stunning view of the two headlands of Great and Little Hangman as visitors journey down to the pretty sheltered harbour below.
The beach at Combe Martin is a mixture of sand and pebbles which at low tide, extends into large areas of firm clean sand and an added attraction, especially for children, is the large number of rock pools. There are also a number of small secluded bays within a short walk of the village centre - Wild Pear Beach, Sandy Cove and Newberry Beach.
The main village street is over two miles long, reputed to be the longest in the country, and features a wide selection of inns, cafes and shops. As well as the Combe Martin Museum in the village centre there is the Wildlife and Dinosaur Park on the outskirts, where life sized animated dinosaurs live in the woods!
The idyllic village of Berrynarbor is a haven of peace and tranquillity, even during the height of the summer season. Situated at the coastal end of the beautiful Sterridge Valley, the village is the ideal place for a relaxing stay.
Having won many awards in both "Britain in Bloom" and "Best Kept Village in Devon" competitions, the attractive well kept gardens and floral displays are outstanding. Quaint cottages and narrow streets, together with the 15th Century Manor Hall and 12th Century Church, add to the rural charm of the village and the traditional village pub is a popular place for eating out. There is ample free car parking and easy access from the A399.
Combe Martin at high tide the beach looks uninteresting but as the tide goes out there are large rock pools to explore and stretch of level sand appears outside a ridge of stones known as the breakwater. The sea is free of currents and therefore popular for bathing. Just a little to the west is Sandy Bay which is reached by Sandy Bay Lane. Steps lead down to the beach, but unfortunately there is no sand. However it is a great spot for picnic. In Combe Martin itself there is a large beach car park which provides easy access for wheelchairs.
The beautiful stretch of coastline between Combe Martin and Hele Bay reveals some dramatic geology of the Devonian age. There are a number of very good exposures of sandstones and mudstones, and within these can be found a number of limestone bands, especially prominent at Rillage. These bands of limestone contain fossils, including corals, fish fragments and brachiopods (marine invertebrates) suggesting they were laid down in a shallow marine environment.
A particularly impressive feature of the coastline is the large number of folds that can be seen in the rock. They clearly indicate the tremendous pressures that were once at play here and are the result of the tectonic plate collision. Some of the bedding dips at angles of between 35° and 40° but other examples are almost vertical.
Combe Martin once mined silver for the Crown, as well as lead; iron ore was also worked. Part of a mine adit can be seen in the cliffs on the northeastern side of the beach. Lime burning was also practised, Combe Martin having more kilns than any other north Devon parish. There is a small geology display at the Tourist Information Centre, near Kiln Car Park. There is also a museum in Combe Martin.
For further information please see Devoon County Council's geo-HSC.pdf
Beach - a large area of sand set in Combe Martin. A small resort town in a sheltered valley at the western edge of the Exmoor National Park.
OS Grid Reference: SS5747
Contributed by: Julie Elliot, George Biggs
