Barnstaple is the oldest borough in the UK. It was founded at the lowest crossing point of the River Taw, about 3 miles (5 kilometres) from the Taw's seafall at the Bristol Channel. By the time of the Domesday Book, Barnstaple had its own mint. Its size and wealth in the Middle Ages was based on it being 'wool staple', a town licensed to export wool, and its importance is still obvious in the town's name.

Green Lanes shopping centre adjoins the High Street. Additionally, the out-of-town shopping areas continue to expand, showing that Barnstaple is at the centre of a thriving, vibrant economy.

Traffic congestion in the town used to be quite severe, but in May 2007, the Barnstaple Western Bypass was opened so traffic heading towards Braunton and Ilfracombe avoids travelling through the town centre. As part of this work, the town's main square is receiving a facelift as the entrance to the town centre, and it is planned to pedestrianise The Strand. Following this scheme, plans are also being formulated for a regeneration of the town centre, due to commence in 2012, and scheduled to cost around £300 million.

Barnstaple Alliance
The Barnstaple Alliance was formed in 2003 to bring together the wide range of interests across the town and to work with neighbouring communities to improve quality of life locally... more

In Focus

• Barnstaple Strand / Square Consultation
  We need your help to shape the future of the town more...
  
• Watch construction of the Barnstaple bypass live via webcam
  Live pictures of the construction of the Barnstaple bypass available more...

Key Stats

• The population of the market town area has risen by around 17% since 1991.  The population is around 34,000.
• The proportion of Disability Living Allowance claimants is twice the national average in Barnstaple.
• Over a quarter of households in the market town area are occupied by lone pensioners, this is significantly higher in Barnstaple.
• The proportion of children in need is highest in Barnstaple.  Landkey and the remaining rural parishes have much lower rates.  
• The overall crime rate for Barnstaple is higher than the national average.
• In 2006 house prices outside of Barnstaple, were 26% higher than those in the town.  Overall, prices have risen by over 80% since 2001.
• Select here for more statistics about Barnstaple and surrounding area. (1.01MB - pdf help)