Exmouth in historic gazetteers

Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew

Exmouth, watering-place, seaport, and market town with ry. sta., E. Devon, at E. side of mouth of river Exe, 10 miles SE. of Exeter, pop. 6245; P.O., T.O., 1 Bank, 1 newspaper. Market-days, Tuesday and Saturday. Exmouth was the first watering-place on the coast of Devon, and is used not only for sea-bathing, but as a winter residence for those suffering under pulmonary complaints, the climate being mild, and the town being sheltered from the easterly winds. There are assembly rooms, baths, libraries, &c.; and the sea-wall, 1800 ft. long and 22 ft. high, makes a fine promenade. The chief industries are lace-making and the fisheries. Exmouth was at one time among the chief ports of Devon; in 1347 it contributed 10 vessels to the siege of Calais. Near the town is a natural harbour called the Bight, and docks were constructed in 1869. Exmouth is connected with Exeter by a branch of the London and South-Western Ey.