The
North
Cliff
Hotel
The
history of Lynton & Lynmouth is steeped in stories of pirates and smugglers.
The rugged coastline and numerous coves around the coast afforded plenty of
opportunity for smugglers to run brandy and wine from France and tobacco, tea,
salt and soap from Ireland. Travel to Lynton & Lynmouth in the early part
of the nineteenth century was made very difficult by the lack of proper roads,
this meant that only the most intrepid of travellers made the difficult journey,
but also meant that the smugglers could ply their trade with little fear of
being caught.
One
of the most famous residents of Lynton was Sir George Newnes, the founder of
the magazine "Tit-Bits". In 1892 he began work on a magnificent residence
on top of Hollerday Hill. Other famous visitors include the poet Shelly who
stayed for several months with his bride and named the area "Little Switzerland"
. Wordsworth and Coleridge also found the area inspiring and it is said that
Coleridge was inspired to write "The Ancient Mariner" after viewing
Lynmouth harbour.
The
450 ft high cliff which separates Lynton from Lynmouth meant that all goods
from the harbour were carried up the steep gradient by pony and donkey. As tourism
began to grow a better way to connect the two towns was proposed by an anonymous
writer to the Lynton and Lynmouth Recorder. In 1890 the Cliff Railway was officially
opened. Driven by water the unique railway runs up the 1 to 13/4 steep cliff
affording magnificent views as it goes. There has never been an accident in
the railways history.
The
North Cliff Hotel circa 1911 with passengers waiting to board the Cliff Railway
Edwardian
Lynmouth with horse drawn carriages and an early motor car
1878
saw the first serious proposal for a railway line into Lynton and Lynmouth,
backed by Sir George Newnes. The line opened up the resorts to tourists from
all over the country. With their new found prosperity the twin resorts continue
hosting holiday makers from all over the world and have become amongst the most
famous holiday destinations in the country.
Sir
George Newnes outside his Putney Heath home
The
opening of the Lynton and Lynmouth railway