During the 18th and early 19th centuries, the North Devon coast was a haven for "The Gentlemen." Combe Martin’s deep, narrow valley and secluded coves like Wild Pear Beach and Newberry provided perfect cover for landing illicit tea, tobacco, and brandy from the Channel Islands and France.

Smuggling was once rife around Combe Martin and outlying villages, during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Goods were often hidden in local caves or moved via inland "smugglers' paths" that bypassed the watchful eyes of the local Coastguard. Village cellars, remote hides and farm buildings were used to store contraband.

Combe Martin's unique market gardening system utilised incredibly steep hillside allotments. Every inch of the south-facing slopes was cultivated, turning the narrow valley into highly productive terraces for several varieties of strawberries and a wide range of early vegetables, often ripening weeks before the rest of the county.

Silver and lead mining here dates back to the late 13th century. These mines provided vital revenue for the Crown during the Hundred Years' War. Legendary mining engineers like Sir Beavis Bulmer extracted massive amounts of silver for the Royal Mint, some of which was used to create ornate silver cups for the City of London.

Combe Martin Bay was once a vital industrial harbour. Limestone was shipped in from Wales and burnt in nineteen village kilns sited close to quarries, producing lime for fertiliser and local building. The harbour also saw a heavy trade in coal, iron ore, and bark for tanning.