History of Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe has a long history, it has been settled since the iron age, its name is a derivative of the Anglo-Saxon Alfreincoma - by which name it was noted in the Exeter Domesday Book. The translation of this name (from Walter William Skeat of the department of Anglo Saxon at Cambridge University) means the "Valley of the sons of Alfred". Ilfracombe was made up of two communities; a farming community around the parish church called Holy Trinity, parts of which date from the 12th century, and a fishing community around the natural harbour beneath the dominant hill, Hillsborough (formerly Hele's barrow).

The Manor House lands by the church were given to the Champernon family in 11th Century, those by the harbour the Bouchiers, Earls of Bath. Ilfracombe was a significant port on the Bristol Channel, in 1247 it supplied a ship to the fleet that was sent to conquer the Western Isles of Scotland. Ships were sent to support the siege of Calais, and it was the disembarkation point for two large forces sent to subdue the Irish. The building which sits on Lantern Hill by the harbour, known as St Nicholas's Chapel is reputed to be the oldest lighthouse in the UK, a light/beacon has been there for nearly 600 years.Fact|date=February 2007