EXMOUTH  , a

market-town, seaport and watering-place in the Honiton parliamentary division of Devonshire, England, at the mouth of the river Exe, 1o2 m . S.E. by S. of Exeter by the London & South-Western railway . Pop. of urban district (1901) 10,485 . In the 18th century it consisted of a primitive fishing village at the base of Beacon Hill, a height commanding fine views over the estuary and the English Channel . After its more modern terraces were built up the hillside, Exmouth became the first seaside resort in Devon . Its excellent bathing and the beauty of its coast and moorland scenery attract many visitors in summer, while it is frequented in winter by sufferers from pulmonary disease . The climate is unusually mild, as a range of hills shelters the town on the east . A promenade runs along the sea wall; there are golf links and public gardens, and the port is a favourite yachting centre, a regatta being held annually . Near the town is a natural harbour called the Bight . The local industries include fishing, brick-making and the manufacture of Honiton lace . Exmouth was early a place of importance, and in 1347 contributed to vessels to the fleet sent to attack Calais . It once possessed a fort or " castelet," designed to command the estuary of the Exe .

This fort, which was garrisoned for the

king during the Civil War, was blockaded and captured by Colonel Shapcoate in 1646 .