Apple Core The home of Appledore Band on the Web Copyright 2011 - Appledore Band Appledore lies on the north coast of Devon where the rivers Taw and Torridge flow into the Atlantic ocean. It has a rich history and has been a thriving port since Anglo-Saxons fished from its shores. Elizabeth I gave it “free port” status because of its great role against the Spanish Armada. It was an important trading port for tobacco and furs. Local shipbuilders emigrated to Prince Edward Island in search of timber and sailed the hulls back to Appledore to be skillfully finished. Hubba the Dane was defeated nearby by Odun the Earl of Devon in 878AD and his grave is said to lie under a cottage in New Quay Street. One of Appledores oldest buildings, thought to be a rest house for pilgrims on their way to Hartland Abbey some 15 miles away was built by monks and occupied by them until 1540. Nowadays, fishing and pleasure boats moor alongside the quay where crabbing contests and regatta competitions are held. Away from the quay lie narrow streets and hidden lanes where quaint cottages, houses, art galleries and craft shops abound. Looking across the estuary, heather covered Exmoor can easily be seen. Beyond the Lifeboat station, Northam Burrows extend to the wide sands of Westward Ho! Further the pretty houses of Clovelly seem to tumble into the sea and the Hartland Lighthouse warns sailors of the cruel rocks beneath. Appledore Links www.appledore.org www.beautiful-devon.co.uk/appledore.htm www.appledorelifeboat.org.uk www.appledorebookfestival.co.uk