Combe Martin in Magna Brittania, 1822
Published on May 13, 2025 | Last modified on June 12, 2025
By the Combe Martin Village History Project © 2025
This document interprets the historical account of Combe Martin in 1822. As found in Magna Britannia: Volume 6, Devonshire, originally published by Daniel Lysons and Samuel Lysons (London).
Content Overview:
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Historical Context: Magna Britannia (1822) details Combe Martin’s status in the early 19th century as a “decayed market-town” in North Devon, including its location, population figures, and economic activities.
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Market and Fair: It explains the origins of the town’s market, granted to Nicholas FitzMartin in 1264, and describes the tradition of the Whit-Monday fair.
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Economic and Social Life: The text covers local industries such as thread-making, hemp cultivation, lime burning, and the import/export of goods, as well as the rise and decline of the town’s silver mining industry.
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Manorial History: There is a detailed account of the ownership of Combe Martin manor, tracing its passage through notable families (FitzMartin, Audley, Holland, Pollard, Hancock, Buller, and Watson) and the division of the estate.
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Local Notables: The document mentions prominent families and individuals, memorials in the parish church, and philanthropic acts such as George Ley’s endowment of a free school.
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Footnotes: The final page provides explanatory notes about key figures, including Nicholas FitzMartin and Vice-Admiral Charles Watson, and their connection to Combe Martin.