A History of Combe Martin

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Published on June 06, 2025

Last modified on June 07, 2025

Combe Martin Village | Historical Overview

Combe Martin is a significant, historic civil parish and seaside resort, on England's scenic North Devon Coast. Here is our take on its fascinating social heritage with a long history of multiple industries including farming, trades and retail, horticulture, and mining.

Introduction

Combe Martin, a picturesque maritime rural village on the western edge of Exmoor and within the famous Blackmore country, boasts a rich heritage and charm. Nestled within a sheltered valley at the edge of Exmoor National Park, it has evolved from an ancient settlement and feudal manor into a vibrant seaside resort with deep industrial roots.

Industrial Heritage

Once famous for its superior locally grown strawberries exported across Britain, Combe Martin is also renowned for its industrial legacy of silver mining and polymetallic extractive industries. Also lime quarrying and lime burning, and shipbuilding on the River Umber. With a commendable market gardening and farming heritage, Combe Martin history also boasts a dynamic mix of horticulture and agribusiness, corn milling, hemp cultivation, ropemaking, and maritime trade that supported the local economy for centuries.

Additional History & Heritage

"The Little Village with a Big History": Combe Martin's legacy extends far beyond its industrial achievements. Combe Martin and Exmoor feature in popular literature and poetry, also famous artworks. On this website and at Combe Martin Museum and Information Point, locals and visitors can learn how the village once grew and exported its quality fruit, vegetables, and flowers, far and wide. How Combe Martin developed into a self-sustaining village with thriving cottage industries, memorable characters, artisans, and shops. Schooners and other vessels were built here for coastal trade in the 19th century. Medieval Combe Martin became an important site for silver mining that benefited English royalty. Its historic evolution—from a Saxon settlement to an Anglo-Norman manor and later a multi-industrial centre—has left lasting marks on its landscape, architecture, culture, and social heritage.

The village celebrates its heritage with community events like the annual spring bank holiday Earl of Rone Festival, unique to Combe Martin. Our rich cultural traditions feature the local Shammickite dialect and folklore, which continue to be celebrated. Artists such as J.M.W. Turner captured the dramatic coastal scenery here, while Combe Martin Museum, local historians and community groups today ensure that this vibrant history remains accessible and engaging for residents and visitors.