A seaside resort in its heyday: motoring in Ilfracombe

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Who doesn't enjoy a historic street scene like this? Here we are in the North Devon seaside resort of Ilfracombe, at least a century ago, when the town was thriving as a holiday destination. Interestingly, the photograph also has a delightful motoring angle. 

Centre stage is occupied by a garage with, from left to right, a petrol pump (which appears to be out of use — perhaps it was a Sunday?), a showroom proudly proclaiming 'New Cars Supplied', and a workshop that seems to have attracted the attention of several curious onlookers. A charabanc to or from Lynton has just arrived, while another is preparing to depart.

The signs on the premises read Autocars Ilfracombe Ltd., Lynton & Clovelly Motors Ltd. – Taxicabs and Touring Cars, and Royal Red Motors. Among the other vehicles visible are what appear to be a Bullnose Morris and an Austin Seven, both quintessentially 1920s. But what about the car parked beside the Lynton charabanc?

The photograph also made us wonder exactly where it was taken — and whether the building still survives today. Curiously, the names above yielded very little, and the same applied to the sign reading 'Grand Private Hotel', just visible in the bottom right-hand corner. We scoured Google Maps, passing amusement arcades, fish-and-chip shops and a surprising number of one- and two-star hotels, but failed to identify the building. Does anyone recognise it?

Words: Jeroen Booij; Picture: Instagram

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