Devon, Its Moorlands, Streams and Coasts

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22485

Title

Devon, Its Moorlands, Streams and Coasts

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Lady Rosalind Northcote's lyrical guide to Devon's moorlands, streams, and coasts. Blending history, folklore, and vivid landscape description, this work celebrates the county's ancient spirit, from Exeter's Roman roots to the rugged beauty of Dartmoor and the dramatic cliffs of the South Hams.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Devon, Its Moorlands, Streams and Coasts,' Lady Rosalind Northcote offers a romantic and historical tribute to a county defined by its resilient character and natural beauty. The narrative begins in Exeter, a city where British, Roman, and English histories intertwine. Northcote describes Exeter as a 'Mother City' to the West Country, noting its unique history of coexistence between Britons and Saxons before the Norman conquest. She details the city's legendary defenses, including the siege by William the Conqueror and the subsequent rise of Rougemont Castle. The journey proceeds along the Exe, Otter, and Axe rivers, traversing the wild expanses of Dartmoor. Here, Northcote highlights ancient crosses, the mysterious Wistman's Wood, and the common rights enjoyed by the local populace. Moving south, the text follows the Teign to the sunny shores of Torbay and explores the pirate-infested waters near Lundy Island. The author recounts the island's turbulent history, from its association with the Moriscoes to its use as a base for French pirates and its eventual capture by valiant Clovelly fishermen. Northcote also delves into the smuggling history of the South Hams and visits the silver mines at Combe Martin, which were once vital to the kingdom's economy. The narrative is enriched by visits to historic castles such as Powderham and Berry Pomeroy, and the dramatic coastline of Exmoor. Throughout the book, she weaves in local legends, including tales of mythical Pixies and the Moriscoes, alongside accounts of notable figures like Sir Francis Drake and the illustrious Chichester family. The work serves as both a comprehensive historical record and an evocative travelogue, celebrating Devon's diverse landscapes and the heroic 'worthies' who shaped its destiny.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22485.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22485.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-03 09:20 UTC

Categories

• History
• Travel