Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Northam has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Northam.
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Sights in Northam
Northam is a small town located in the southwest of England, in the county of Devon. It is situated on the River Taw, about 8 miles inland from the town of Barnstaple. Northam was founded in the early 12th century, and for centuries was an important port and market town. Today, Northam is a peaceful and picturesque town, with a number of interesting sights and attractions.
The first thing that you will notice when you arrive in Northam is the large Norman church of St. Peter’s. This church was built in the 1140s, and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Devon. Inside the church you can see a beautiful 15th century roof, and a number of interesting monuments and tombstones.
Just south of the church is Northam Hall, a large country house which was built in the early 18th century. Northam Hall is now a hotel, and is well worth a visit for its stunning gardens and views of the River Taw.
If you are interested in maritime history, then you should definitely visit the Northam Shipwreck Centre. This museum is located in the old lifeboat station, and houses a collection of shipwreck artefacts which have been recovered from the River Taw.
For something a bit different, you can also visit the Northam Burrows Country Park. This park is situated on a stretch of coastline which is owned by the National Trust, and is a great place for walking, picnicking and wildlife watching. In the summer months you can also enjoy the beach at Northam Burrows, which is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing and surfing.
History of Northam
Northam is a town and civil parish in the English county of Devon. It is situated on the River Taw about 4 miles (6 km) east of Barnstaple and 5 miles (8 km) northwest of Braunton. The town had a population of 8,374 in 2011. The history of Northam can be traced back to Roman times when it was known as Piratus Flumen or the River of the Pirates. The River Taw was an important route for trade and transportation in Roman Britain and Northam was an important crossing point. The first recorded mention of Northam is in the Domesday Book of 1086 where it is listed as Northem. The name Northam is derived from the Old English words north and ham meaning “north settlement”.
In the 12th century, Northam was granted a charter by King Henry I and became a borough. Northam’s importance as a port declined in the 13th century with the silting up of the River Taw and the rise of the nearby port of Barnstaple. However, Northam continued to grow as a market town and by the 14th century it was one of the largest towns in Devon with a population of around 1,500. The town was ravaged by the Black Death in 1349 and again in 1438. In 1549 Northam was the scene of a revolt against the enclosures of common land which was put down by force by the royal authorities.
The town suffered further decline in the 17th century with the outbreak of the English Civil War. Northam was a Royalist stronghold and was besieged by Parliamentary forces on several occasions. The town was also hit by two major fires, the first in 1641 and the second in 1676. By the 18th century Northam was in decline and its importance as a port had all but disappeared. The town did however continue to grow as a market town and in 1765 it was recorded as having a population of around 2,500.
The 19th century saw further decline for Northam with the coming of the railways. The new railways bypassed Northam and the town went into decline. In the 20th century Northam became a popular tourist destination with its sandy beaches and clifftop walks. The town also became home to a number of retirement homes. Northam’s decline was halted in the late 20th century with the coming of the A361 North Devon Link Road which brought new businesses and jobs to the town.
The 21st century has seen a resurgence in Northam’s fortunes with a number of new businesses and housing developments springing up in the town. Northam is now a thriving market town with a bright future.
Vacation in Northam
There are many vacation possibilities in the city of Northam in England. One can visit the renowned university town of Oxford, explore the picturesque Cotswold Hills, or take in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city of Birmingham. Northam is also within easy reach of the stunning Peak District National Park and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
Whether you are looking for a cultural vacation or a more active holiday, Northam has something to offer everyone. The city is home to a number of museums and art galleries, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy, as well as a range of activities such as golf, tennis, and walking.
With so much to see and do, Northam is the perfect destination for a vacation. Whether you are looking to relax and unwind or to explore and discover, you will find everything you need in this wonderful city.
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