Barnstaple
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Missing image Barnstaple.clocktower.arp.750pix.jpg Barnstaple Clock Tower, erected in 1862 as a memorial to Prince Albert (the husband of Queen Victoria) |
Template:GBdot Barnstaple (often known locally as Barum), is a town in the county of Devon in the South West of England. It is the main town in the local government district of North Devon and is apparently the oldest borough in the United Kingdom.
It was at one time the terminus of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.
It is a consistant winner of the Britain in Bloom competition, in the category of 'Town', winning it in 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2003. As well as taking the Abbis Cup in 1996 and 98 for Regional Supreme Champion (any size town), the Nations in Bloom - Best Town in the World and the Entente Florale - Best Town in Europe both in 1996 and World in Bloom in 1998.
The Barnstaple Western Bypass is currently under construction to take traffic away from the town centre. The project will cost £42 million and will consist of 2.7km of new road and a 409 metre long five-span bridge named the Downstream Bridge. Construction is due for completion by Spring 2007
Barnstaple is twinned with Barnstable, USA and Trouville, France.
Arts
The town is home to the Queen's Theatre.
Around
Tarka Trail - The cycling and walking trails were established by Devon County Council, to celebrate Henry Williamson's 1927 novel Tarka the Otter. The book depicts Tarka's adventure travelling through North Devon's countryside.
External links
- Barnstaple (DMOZ.org) (http://dmoz.org/Regional/Europe/United_Kingdom/England/Devon/Barnstaple/)
- Barnstaple Town Council and Town Centre Management (http://www.barnstaple.co.uk/)
- North Devon District Council (http://www.northdevon.gov.uk/)
- Barnstaple Webcam (from Civic Centre) (http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/webcams/barnstaple_webcam.shtml)
- Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple (http://www.northdevontheatres.org.uk/)