The mouth of the Axe ([1854])

Pulman, George P. R. The book of the Axe: containing a piscatorial description of that stream, and a history of all the parishes and remarkable spots upon its banks; with several illustrations, and a map. London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, 1854. Chapter XII. pp. 464 - 468.Across the 'mighty rigge of pible stones' of which Seaton beach is composed; - across the ferry over the river Axe near its embouchere, at the easternmost extremity of the beach-and the visitor finds himself in the parish of Axmouth, and at the foot of the lofty hill called Haven Cliff. The harbor [sic] at the mouth of the river is the result of the energetic and almost unaided efforts of J. H. Hallett, Esq., the lord of the manor. It is small, but quite large enough to prove, that if the government could be induced to take the work in hand, a harbour might be formed at this place which would be of the greatest importance to the commercial interests of the nation, and also be the means of preserving the valuable lives which are now so often sacrificed on a dangerous coast unprovided with a refuge harbor.We have shown, in our account of Seaton, that in ancient times the natural capabilities of the mouth of the Axe were duly turned to account, and that the commercial importance of this beautiful locality was consequently far greater than it is now. Old walls and piers, the ruins of former harbors, bear ample testimony to a fact which has been further strengthened by the discovery, in 1837, of the remains of a large vessel in the bed of the river, at a considerable distance from its mouth. More than three hundred years must have passed away since that vessel was afloat, for we know that in the time of Leland 'smaul fisschar boats' alone came in 'for socour,' and that the ancient harbor had before his visit been choked by an accumulation of shingle. There can be no doubt that a great physical change has taken place at the mouth of the Axe in comparatively modern times; for the same authority assures us that he found Axe Bridge, at Colyford, to be impassable at high tides. That the sea, therefore, came further into the valley, and that the Axe was capable of receiving vessels of burden far higher up than at present, would appear to be evident-especially when it is known that below the surface of the marsh are beds of sand, cockle-shells, and other marine productions of manifestly recent deposit (speaking geologically), and that fragments of boats, anchors, and other similar vestiges are often found there. And we must add to these interesting facts, that the voice of Tradition speaks loudly of the ancient importance both of Axmouth and its haven.Many have been the attempts, since Leland's time, to restore the harbor to its ancient condition. In the early part of the seventeenth century the Erles, of Bindon, expended much time and money upon the praiseworthy object. 'Sir Thomas Erle,' says Risdon, 'when he had brought the same to some likelihood, was taken away by death, leaving his labors [sic] to the unruly ocean, which, together with unkind neighbours (by carrying away the stones of that work), made a great ruin of his attempt.' The labors of his son were attended with no better success, and the credit of bringing the harbor to its present state is due to Mr. Hallett.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks].

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