Clovelly is a protected / privately owned village which means all the history and original features of the village cannot be changed without special permissions. The cobbled streets mean the village isn’t accessible to cars therefore keeping the village as it was some 400 years ago when it was first built. (There is a small service road for the hotel and the bottom of the harbour).
The estate of Clovelly was originally owned by William the Conqueror, King of England. In 1242 it was then bought by the Giffard family
Clovelly was fairly unknown to people outside of the village until the middle of the 19th century when Charles Kingsley’s featured the village in his novel ‘Westward Ho!’. After the success of the book many more people began to visit Clovelly!
The estate was inherited by Christine Hamlyn in 1884 who married in 1889. Christine and her husband began renovating the village’s cottages and you’ll find her initials all around Clovelly for this exact reason. The current owner of Clovelly is Christine’s great grandnephew, John Rous.
If you want to learn about Clovelly’s history in more detail, then make sure you check out one of the two museums when you visit as they offer a lot of detail into Clovelly’s early history and origins.
Great feature Danny, I alway think that photos never even come close to showing how beautiful Clovelly is. It’s genuinely like stepping back in time. Glad you enjoyed your visit x
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Thanks Jennie! They really don’t do it proper justice! Somewhere I’ll definatley be visiting again next time I’m in Devon!
A gorgeous looking village Danny, love the pallet system.
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Thanks Leighton! Glad you enjoyed the pictures! It’s a really beautiful place to visit if you ever get the chance!