LITTLEHAM (Near Exmouth)

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)]

"LITTLEHAM, a parish in the hundred of East Budleigh, county Devon, 2 miles E. of Exmouth, its post town, and 5 S.E. of Topsham. It is situated on the sea-coast, and the London and South-Western railway has a station at Exmouth, a considerable portion of which town is in this parish. There is a tongue of land stretching out into the sea called Straight Point. The living is a vicarage* in the diocese of Exeter, value with the curacy of Exmouth annexed, £184, in the patronage of the Dean and Chapter of Exeter. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, or, according to others, to the Holy Trinity, is an ancient stone edifice with a square tower. There is a place of worship for Dissenters. The charities consist of Drake's almshouses for decayed schoolmasters, and a lectureship endowed with property producing about £476. There are also several bequests for the poor,realising £23 per annum. The trustees of the late Lord Rolle are the lords of the manor."

"CHICKSTONE, a hamlet in the parish of Littleham, in the county of Devon."

"EXMOUTH, a market town, seaport, and fashionable bathing-place, in the parishes of Littleham and Withycombe Rawleigh, in the hundred of East Budleigh, county Devon, 5 miles S.E. of Topsham, and 10 S.E. of Exeter. From this place there is a branch line of railway to Exeter, connected with the London and South-Western line. It is situated on the eastern side of the river Exe, close to its mouth, and is now much resorted to for its bathing accommodation. The Dones effected a landing here at the beginning of the 11th century, and in the reign of Edward III. Exmouth furnished several ships to assist in the siege of Calais. Its possession was contended for during the civil wars of Charles I., the royalists being ultimately obliged to surrender. The town, within the last few years, has undergone many and great improvements; a sea-wall of considerable extent has been built, with a beautiful promenade. There are several good terraces of houses, assembly rooms, libraries, and baths. In the neighbourhood the walks and scenery are very fine, especially the views from Beacon Hill and Powderham Castle. The town is lighted with gas, and has a good water supply. Petty sessions are held monthly, and a manor-court annually in the month of November. Here is a station of the coastguard service. The principal occupation of the male population is in fishing, and of the female the manufacture of lace. The entrance to the river is contracted, and the water shallow. The living is a curacy in the diocese of Exeter, annexed to the vicarage* of Littleham, in the patronage of the dean and chapter. The church, which stands in the town, is a chapel-of-ease to the parish of Littleham. It is a fine edifice, dedicated to St. Margaret. The charities produce about £120 per annum, and are under the management of the parochial authorities of Littleham. The Independents have two chapels, and the Reformed Wesleyans, Bible Christians, and Plymouth Brethren one each. There is an endowed National school for both sexes. The Pellews take from this place the title of viscount. Saturday is market day, and fairs are held on the 25th April and 28th October."