Axmouth harbour, Devon
Although the harbour is technically within the parish of Axmouth, the ancient village of Axmouth is about one mile upriver. Over the centuries much silt has been deposited in the River Axe, and Axmouth is no longer at the river's mouth. In fact, the harbour is right next to Seaton, which is on this side of the river, and where there is a yacht club and a small marina. Connecting Axmouth with Seaton was the first concrete bridge in this country, dating from 1877. The old bridge, which can just be seen on the far left, is still used by pedestrians, but a more modern one alongside caters for road traffic. Several hundred years ago, Axmouth harbour was quite important and is said to have accounted for one-sixth of Devon's trade in the 16th century. But the constant silting up and the arrival of the railway at Seaton in 1868 made it uncompetitive to bring goods in by sea. The harbour is now only used by small pleasure craft and local fishing boats, and is virtually inaccessible at low tide.
Axmouth harbour, Devon
Although the harbour is technically within the parish of Axmouth, the ancient village of Axmouth is about one mile upriver. Over the centuries much silt has been deposited in the River Axe, and Axmouth is no longer at the river's mouth. In fact, the harbour is right next to Seaton, which is on this side of the river, and where there is a yacht club and a small marina. Connecting Axmouth with Seaton was the first concrete bridge in this country, dating from 1877. The old bridge, which can just be seen on the far left, is still used by pedestrians, but a more modern one alongside caters for road traffic. Several hundred years ago, Axmouth harbour was quite important and is said to have accounted for one-sixth of Devon's trade in the 16th century. But the constant silting up and the arrival of the railway at Seaton in 1868 made it uncompetitive to bring goods in by sea. The harbour is now only used by small pleasure craft and local fishing boats, and is virtually inaccessible at low tide.