Exmouth, Devon (1825)

William Daniell
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RepositoryLibraryShelf
Devon West Country Studies L SC1053
Devon Exmouth Large Box 2
Illustration Reference
SC1053
Location
CD 17 DVD 3 DVD 44
Publication Details
Date
1825
Publisher
Scope and Content
Daniell, William. A voyage round Great Britain, undertaken in the summer of the year 1813 and commencing from the Land's-End, Cornwall. London: Longman & Co and W. Daniell, 1825. Vol. VIII. pp. 11 - 12.EXMOUTH, the next subject of delineation, possesses the combined advantages of good air and fine prospects; the views up the river Exe, in particular, are very beautiful. The town itself has little to recommend it at present, but the improvements which are in contemplation will doubtless render it a desirable residence. The high ground, where some of the principal lodging-houses are situated, is called The Beacon; and this eminence has also been chosen as the site of a new church, built at the expense of lord Rolle. The prevailing colour of the soil is a deep red, and in the present view some indications are given of that peculiarity. The land in the distance is on the west bank of the Exe.On the morning after arriving here, the entrance of the river presented an animated scene. It blew fresh from the north and east, and a pilot worked down to the outlet between the sands, to conduct two sloops into the harbour. The sea running on the edge of the sands was one sheet of white foam, and the vessels, under close-reefed topsails, were tossed about in a spirited manner, but by following their guide they effected their passage into the river, and were soon in smooth water.In speaking of the mild and salubrious climate of this and other places on the coast of South Devon, the fashion has been of late years to compare it with that of Italy; and a great deal of ingenious reasoning, mixed up with some nonsense, has been employed in stating the particulars of resemblance and of difference which exist between them. Among other circumstances it has been remarked, that the "sun seems to shine brighter and longer here than in most parts of England, especially towards evening, when the sky frequently assumes an Italian lustre." If such far-fetched and fanciful comparisons be intended to establish the reputation of the towns on this coast, and of Exmouth in particular, that purpose would perhaps be better answered by a simple and more direct mode of argument. Let the invalid, who is subject to pulmonary attacks, be told, that in passing the winter here he may almost to a certainty elude the tormenting tribute of a cough, and he will need no farther persuasion; let the hypochondriac once understand, that here he may nurse himself for any disease which may happen to strike his fancy, or vegetate like a delicate exotic in a conservatory, and he will readily dispense with all the fine things that can be said concerning the sun and the air of Tuscany.Much eloquence has also been bestowed on the scenery around Exmouth, and, upon the whole, it seems to be well deserved, even with all its occasional exaggerations. Indeed it is impossible, or at least it would be unnatural, to speak without enthusiasm of the fine prospect which the high grounds command, and which comprises a line of coast twenty miles in extent, from the vicinity of Exeter to the Berry Head. To say that this prospect is finely diversified with wood, and water, and undulating hills, and that it is enlivened by the signs of industry, culture, and opulence, is to convey an indistinct picture to the mind; and indeed this is all that words can do for such a scene; it may be extolled, but it cannot be accurately described.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]
Format
Aquatint
Dimensions
165x238mm
Series
S40. DANIELL William (text by AYTON, Richard): A VOYAGE
ROUND GREAT BRITAIN UNDERTAKEN IN THE SUMMER OF THE YEAR 1813 AND COMMENCING FROM THE LAND'S END, CORNWALL.
Counties
Subjects
Dates
1813