England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Barnstaple St Peter & St Paul

The Parish

The parish of Barnstaple lies in North Devon, indeed it forms a small part of Devon's northern coast albeit within the sheltered confines of the Taw Estuary. Barnstaple is North Devon's largest town and is situated about 40 miles northwest of the city of Exeter. Barnstaple is located where the A39 road, running northeastwards from Cornwall through Bideford meets the A361 running westwards from Tiverton. Barnstaple's origins lie in the 10th century when it became large enough to have its own mint. Nearby Pilton, however, was the major place at that time on the Taw. Barnstaple grew to become a significant port and the market centre for North Devon, its charter was granted by Henry II. The town became fortified in Norman times with castle and walls defining the centre. During the 16th and 17th centuries Barnstaple's port grew very significantly and trade grew especially with the Americas, such was Barnstaple's importance that it was able to supply Drake with 5 ships in the defence against the Spanish Armada. Barnstaple's fortunes as a port waned, however, as access became increasingly difficult as the Taw estuary silted up and today its is insignificant to the town. Barnstaple developed a wide range of industries based upon its regional importance to maintain its economy. The town grew up at the first crossing point of the Taw and this rover drains the parish westwards into the nearby Bristol Channel. Barnstaple is sited at sea level although more modern developments are some 20 metres higher, the land hereabouts being gently undulating. Despite Barnstaple's importance its parish was small even by Devon standards, it covered just under 1,100 acres but would have supported a population of almost 8,000 parishioners. In Domesday times Barnstaple was a small place shared by the King with Bishop Geoffrey of Coutance, Baldwin the Sheriff & Robert of Aumale, it is not detailed as to its assets but its tax revenue of one tenth of a geld unit does not reflect its status as a burgh at that time.

The Church

St Peter & St Paul's church is tucked away in the heart of the Norman town centre and is a very difficult church to fully appreciate as a consequence of its position. It sits between High Street and Boutport Street but it is completely screened from almost every angle by properties. Despite the church's origins in the 12th or 13th centuries only the tower remains from what was an earlier cruciform church. The broach spire was added in the late 14th century, its twist is described by Pevsner as "idiosyncratic". The remainder of the church is Victorian and dates from the extensive restorations of 1866 through the 1880s during which time the church excluding the tower was almost totally rebuilt. The church is definitely one to approach on foot, glimpses can be seen between the commercial properties on High Street and from the Pannier market but the site is a little more open when seen from the south east. The church is probably one of the more difficult to adequate photograph in the country.