By Tim Lambert
Where does the name Barnstaple come from? The ‘staple’ is derived from the Old English stapol word meaning post. The first part of its name probably comes from the word bearde, meaning battle axe. It’s possible the post was used as a meeting place for people in North Devon.
It’s often claimed that Barnstaple was given a charter by King Athelstan in 930, but it’s not certain if that’s true. At any rate, in the 10th century, Barnstaple was made a burh, a fortified settlement in which local men could gather in the event of a Danish invasion.
By the early 12th century, a motte and bailey castle was built in Barnstaple. There has probably been a church in Barnstaple since Anglo-Saxon times, but the present St. Peter’s Church was dedicated in 1318. St Anne’s Chapel was built in the early 14th century.
In 1274, it was recorded that Barnstaple had a weekly market and an annual fair. From the 14th century, Barnstaple was a staple port, that is, a port from which wool could be exported. Wool cloth was made in the town, then sent to France and Spain. As a result, Barnstaple prospered. Penrose Almshouses were built in 1627. Alice Horwood’s school for girls was built in 1659.
However, in the 18th century, the manufacture of wool cloth in Barnstaple died out. Instead, raw wool was imported from Ireland. It was taken inland to be woven into cloth. The harbour was silting up, so the cloth was taken to Bideford to be exported. Nevertheless, Barnstaple remained a prosperous town. There was an important glove-making industry. Lace-making was also important.
Meanwhile, Queen Anne’s Walk was built in 1713. The first theatre in Barnstaple opened in 1760.
In 1801, the population of Barnstaple was 3,748, so it was a small town. It grew rapidly in the 19th century. By 1901, it had risen to 9,698.
Barnstaple Guildhall was built in 1828. Barnstaple Pannier Market opened in 1855. The Albert Clock Tower was built in 1862, and Rock Park opened in 1879. Barnstaple gained a railway station in 1898. In 1903, the town gained an electricity supply. The first bus station opened in 1922.
Barnstaple Library was built in 1988. The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon opened in1989.
In 2025, Barnstaple had a population of 31,000.
