The History of Sidmouth

Sidmouth was originally a fishing village, with the lace and clotted cream industries always having their periods of fame. The first recorded mention of a settlement here is in the Domesday Book, where it is noted as a fishing village by the name of Sedemuda.

The town’s market cross lasted over 400 years before being removed in 1795. As other sources of revenue began to falter another appeared, as the British tourism industry recognized the value of the town’s location and attractions.

The 18th century saw the beginning of the town’s boom period, as one of the focal points of the country’s new tourism industry. The many lovely Georgian and Victorian buildings which still line the streets of Sidmouth are a testament to the popularity of the town in those days. Queen Victoria visited the town in the early 19th century, while her father The Duke of Kent, son of George III, died here in the building which now houses the Royal Glen Hotel. In 1874 the tourism industry was boosted by the introduction of a railway service to the town, a service which lasted until the 1960s.

The town’s current population of 15,000 contains a high percentage of pensioners, while tourism remains one of the main sources of income and employment in this lovely and interesting town.