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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Footnotes: The final page provides explanatory notes about key figures, including Nicholas FitzMartin and Vice-Admiral Charles Watson, and their connection to Combe Martin.

Source:

The document is based on the entry for Combe Martin in Magna Britannia: Volume 6, Devonshire by Daniel and Samuel Lysons, as made available by British History Online. It is annotated and contextualised for modern readers, by the Combe Martin Village History Project (©2025).

Descriptions of Combe Martin for: 1831-1845 | 1878-1879 | 1902