BARNSTAPLE, a market, seaport, and borough town of England, county of Devon, 34 miles N.W. of Exeter. It is a handsome and well-built town, standing on the river Taw, 6 miles from its mouth. This stream, which is only
navigable for small craft, is here crossed by an ancient stone bridge of 16 arches. The town was incorporated in the reign of Henry I., and is governed by a mayor, 6 aldermen, and 18 councillors. It has returned two members to parliament since the time of Edward I. The woollen trade, for which it was once famous, has now much declined; but it has extensive potteries and tanneries, &c. The public buildings and institutions include a large church, guildhall, theatre, free grammar school, mechanics' institute, national and charity schools, an infirmary, and dispensary. The poet Gay was born in the vicinity, and received his education at the grammar school here. Pop. in 1851, 11,371.