Ilfracombe - A Seaside Resort

Ilfracombe is a city found along the north coast ofEach year there are six carnivals in Ilfracombe that
Devon. It is surrounded by cliffs and has a small harbor.celebrate the areas heritage. There is a May Day
The highest point is at Hore Down Gate with much ofwalking celebration, Victorian celebration, and weeklong
the city being built on hills. Hillsborough hill is the mostprogramme in June that celebrates the town's
important landmark and contains a Celtic fortress fromprosperity, street carnival procession in August, the
the Iron Age.Lighting of the Light sin November and Chritingle at
Ilfracombe has two distinct communities a farming andChristmas.
fishing community. The fishing community is found byThe Ilfracombe round Table host's two yearly
the harbor and the farming community centers aroundcharitable events, the South West Birdman contest
the parish church. It was an important part in the 1200sand Rescue Day. The South West Birdman contest
as it supplied many ships and men to fight in Irelandrequires entrants to fly home made machines wearing
and Scotland. One of the oldest working lighthouses iscostumes. During Rescue Day any town member can
found in the harbor, St Nicholas's Chapel, and has beenlearn emergency services with the most exciting being
in that same spot for over 650 years.an air-sea rescue.
This town was known as a resort town and wasIlfracombe is also known historically for fires as the
very popular in the Victorian era. It became an areabuildings were crowded together in Victorian times.
with many seasonal employees causing much frictionThere have been large fires that have destroyed
with the full year residences. Tourism became popularentire section of the city. The Montabello Hotel, the
because ferries traveling the Bristol Channel regularlyArcade, The Castle Hotel, the Mount Hotel, Portland
visited the city. Railway also increased tourism. TheStreet, and High Street have all burned at some point
economy has fluctuated with the closure of publicin time.
transportation and changes in British holidays.