Ilfracombe (Holy Trinity)
To the west of the town are seven hills called the Tors, forming a conspicuous landmark, and the descent from which terminates in a fine opening towards the sea, named Wildersmouth, where is a bathing-place. On the east is the rock of Hillsborough, on the summit of which, 500 feet above the level of the sea, are the remains of a Danish fortification. Capstone Hill, another eminence, 300 feet above the level of the sea, and on which is a flag-staff and signal-post, commands an extensive view of the Welsh coast, Swansea, the Bristol Channel, and Lundy Island with its lighthouse. Between Hillsborough and a smaller eminence to the west, called Lantern Hill, on which a lighthouse has been erected, is the entrance to the harbour, which is surrounded by a series of rocks, and protected towards the sea by a pier, constructed by the family of Bourchier, lords of the manor. The pier, being injured by the violence of the sea, was repaired and enlarged under the provisions of an act obtained in 1731 for the regulation of the harbour, which has been since greatly improved from the harbour dues, by the present proprietor of the manor. It affords shelter to vessels of 500 tons' burthen, which may lie here in safety in all states of the weather.
The trade of the port, which has lately been united as a creek to Barnstaple, consists chiefly in the shipping of corn, and in the importation of goods from Bristol, and coal from South Wales; several vessels are employed in bringing timber from America, and live-stock from Ireland. A packet sails every Monday and Thursday to Swansea, and a steam-packet to the same place every Tuesday and Saturday during the summer; a steampacket leaves the port for Bristol every Saturday. The market, chiefly for provisions, is on Saturday; and fairs for cattle are held on April 14th, and the Saturday next after August 23rd. There are courts leet annually for the manor, at which a portreeve and constables for the town and parish are appointed. Ilfracombe constitutes a prebend in the cathedral of Salisbury, which, being tenable by a layman, was held by Camden, the antiquary. The living is a discharged vicarage, valued in the king's books at £50. 4.; net income, £150; patron and appropriator, the Prebendary. The church is an ancient edifice, situated on a hill at a short distance from the town; it has been repaired, and the number of sittings increased by the erection of four galleries and an organ-loft. A chapel has been built and endowed at Lee, containing 120 free sittings. There are places of worship for Independents and Wesleyans.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.