Send flowers to Barnstaple, Devon

Flower Delivery to Barnstaple by Clare Florist

Barnstaple is North Devon's main town and is located 34, 50 and 68 miles from Exeter, Plymouth and Bristol, respectively. The town itself has a population of 30,000 although this swells to 50,000 if adjoining areas such as Landkey or Fremington are also taken into account.

The town, which was once called Barum, received its charter very early, in AD 930. Geoffrey de Montbray , a favourite of William the Conqueror, built a castle there in the 11th century although, sadly, now all that remains of it is the motte. During the next few centuries the town became very wealthy thanks to its export of wool and, in later years, flourishing trade with America and the import of Irish wool. There was also a strong shipbuilding tradition. However, once the harbour began to silt up during the 18th century Barnstaple's pre-eminence as a trading port passed to nearby Bideford.

For over 1,000 years Barnstaple has also been North Devon's most important market town. Its large and impressive Pannier Market was built in the mid-1850s, on the site of the original Vegetable Market. Nowadays, alongside the more traditional, locally grown Barnstaple flowers, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, the visitor will also find all sorts of other interesting items, including art and crafts, old and new books and antiques.

The two biggest employers in the area are the North Devon District hospital and the Royal Marines Base Chivenor. Improved road and rail connections from the rest of the country have contributed to the huge growth in tourism to the area over the last fifty years. Weekend trippers, in particular, come down from London, Birmingham and the other big cities in search of peace and quiet, beautiful scenery, some old and impressive buildings and, of course, the famous Devon cream teas.