99-421: Richard Bowen may refer to: Richard Bowen (Royal Navy officer) (1761–1797), British officer Richard L. Bowen (born 1933), American university president Richard M. Bowen III , American banker Richard Bowen (bowls) (born 1957), Welsh lawn bowler [REDACTED] Topics referred to by the same term This disambiguation page lists articles about people with
198-612: A Spanish ship bound for Cadiz from Montevideo was in the area. Bad weather prevented Bowen from locating the Spanish vessel at first, and he also had to escape from a Spanish ship of the line that appeared and chased the Terpsichore for a while. The Spanish ship was found to be anchored in Cadiz, and at 10 am the next day Bowen entered the harbour, captured the ship and brought her out. Bowen continued to cruise off Cadiz, and while sailing through
297-404: A captured Spanish ship; two ships in distress in a storm; the visit of Thomas Bowdler ; and her lucky escape after being cut off by the tide. A few years later in the 1820s, a set of four tunnels were hand-carved by Welsh miners to permit access to the beaches by horse-drawn carriage as well as on foot. Previously access was gained by climbing the cliffs, rounding the point by boat, swimming or at
396-531: A commander on HMS Terpsichore , served under Lord Nelson and was killed at the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1797) . John Bowen (1780–1827), son of Admiral James Bowen, was a naval officer and colonial administrator. He founded the first settlement of Tasmania at Risdon Cove in 1803 - the settlement that later became known as Hobart . Captain John Bowen married Queen Charlotte's niece. Lieutenant A E Down
495-462: A community economic strategy for the next twenty years published in 2005. The town council working with and North Devon District Council is formulating plans for the town's economic and physical structures. Proposed developments are: the enhancement of the harbour area; A large extension (500 dwellings) to the town on high ground to the south. There is long-term development of the derelict bus station site based on plans developed by Terence O'Rourke; and
594-514: A filtration manufacturer, the European headquarters TDK-Lambda, a subsidiary of the TDK Corporation , which manufactures industrial & medical power supplies. A number of light engineering firms provide additional employment and operate within a couple of miles of the town centre at Mullacott Cross . There are 3 deep-sea fishing boats which sail from the port and several inshore boats which farm
693-563: A fixed red light. The light is presently operated by the harbour authority and the Grade I listed building is owned by the North Devon Council. Regular worship in the chapel ceased at the Reformation , and for a time the building served as a cottage for lighthouse keepers before falling into some dilapidation. It was restored in 1962, however, by the local Rotary Club , under whose auspices
792-408: A frigate was spotted under full sail. Bowen's crew had been reduced by sickness, but he decided to chase down the mysterious sail. After closing on her, and determining that she was attempting to manoeuvre into a position to better fight the Terpsichore , Bowen ordered a gun be fired to test her intent. This was instantly met with a broadside, and a general action began. After an hour and forty minutes
891-558: A gale on the morning of 12 December, the lookouts spotted a frigate. Bowen gave chase, with both ships hampered by the rough weather, so that it was only after 40 hours that Bowen was able to bring Terpsichore alongside and at 10 o'clock on the night of 13 December the two ships engaged each other. After two hours the frigate surrendered, and was discovered to be the 36-gun French Vestale , with 270 men aboard. She had lost her captain and 40 men killed, while her second captain and another 50 men were wounded. The Terpsichore had casualties of
990-503: A library located on the Residential Candar Retirement Development. Ilfracombe has a wide variety of architectural styles dating from the 13th Century to 21st Century. The town has ancient streets leading to the harbour; on higher ground there are Georgian and Regency period terraces and mansions. The period from 1830 to 1900 was a time of great development and has been the subject of several books by J Bates
1089-530: A number of captured English prisoners, whom the French were threatening to kill by blowing up the frigate, should the British attempt to storm the fort. Bowen developed a plan of attack and on 17 February led an assault force consisting of Boyne ' s barge and a number of small boats. The boats rushed the frigate and the boarding party stormed her successfully. The boarding party killed or drove off all of her crew, with
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#17328594850251188-636: A number of the officers from Emerald joined the guardship at the Nore , HMS Dunkirk . Caldwell went on to equip the 14-gun ship-sloop HMS Lightning for service while awaiting the launch of Hannibal , and Bowen received an appointment to her and the position of midshipman on 12 August 1779. Despite this he does not seem to have served aboard her, instead joining HMS Foudroyant under Captain John Jervis . Bowen served with Jervis aboard Foudroyant for several years. On 29 July 1781 Foudroyant
1287-458: A quartermaster and three seamen killed, and nineteen wounded. Among the wounded was Lieutenant George Bowen, Richard Bowen's brother. George Bowen had distinguished himself during the capture of the Mahonesa , as well as being particularly active now in the capture of Vestale . Richard reported that My brother, who was the only lieutenant onboard, and on whom fell the task of conducting the duty on
1386-400: A rock, and had to be cut for the safety of both vessels. When dawn broke the next day Bowen discovered that the French had risen up against the prize crew and retaken the ship, sailing her into Cadiz. Now bereft of his prize, Bowen returned to port empty handed, writing to Jervis that 'As we feel conscious of having done out duty, to the utmost of our power, we endeavour to console ourselves with
1485-584: A runner up for the Turner Prize . There is an annual art festival when local artists open their homes for visitors to see their work and 7 to 10 permanent art galleries. The town's first lifeboat was bought in 1828 but a permanent service was not available until the Royal National Lifeboat Institution built a lifeboat station at the bottom of Lantern Hill near the pier in 1866. The present station at Broad Street dates from 1996. In 1911,
1584-451: A secret expedition, sent for his men to rejoin Foudroyant . The war came to an end before the expedition could be carried out and Foudroyant was paid off. Jervis found a place for Bowen as master's mate aboard HMS Pegase , the ship he had helped to capture in 1782. From there he was moved to the 98-gun HMS Blenheim and in late 1783 to the 50-gun HMS Adamant . He went out in
1683-557: A sword from his friend Robert Calder . The damaged Foudroyant underwent a repair and refit, during which time Jervis arranged for the transfer of some his crew including Bowen to MacBride's Artois . Bowen, serving as third-lieutenant, and MacBride cruised in the Bay of Biscay , with Richard coincidentally serving under his brother James, the elder Bowen being the master of Artois . Richard's service aboard Artois came to an end when Jervis, by now appointed commodore and commander-in-chief of
1782-652: Is a seaside resort and civil parish on the North Devon coast, England , with a small harbour surrounded by cliffs . The parish stretches along the coast from the 'Coastguard Cottages' in Hele Bay toward the east and 4 miles (6 km) along the Torrs to Lee Bay toward the west. The resort is hilly and the highest point within the parish boundary is 'Hore Down Gate', 2 miles (3 km) inland and 860 feet (270 m) above sea level. The landmark of Hillsborough Hill dominates
1881-522: Is recorded that the lands by the church were part of the estate owned by Champernowne family , while those by the harbour belonged to the Bouchier family: Earls of Bath . Because of the natural layout of the harbour, Ilfracombe became a significant safe port (registered port of refuge) on the Bristol Channel . It also had trade routes between Kinsale and Tenby , which made the port stronger. In 1208 it
1980-659: Is reputed to be the oldest working lighthouse in the UK; a light/beacon has been there for over 650 years. The town was also home to the Bowen family. James Bowen was sailing master of HMS Queen Charlotte , the flagship of Richard, Earl Howe at the 1794 " Glorious First of June " battle. James Bowen was commissioned by Howe for his leadership in the battle. He rose through the levels - commander of HMS Argo , Dreadnought, and in Georgian England titled "defender of Madeira", led
2079-432: Is the parish church , Holy Trinity , which is the mother church to St Peter's on Highfield Road. Several other churches identify themselves as Evangelical , but differ in denominational background. These include: St Philip and St James Church whose background is Anglican ; three free churches - Brookdale Evangelical Church and Encounter Church, of which the latter is the more charismatic and Ilfracombe Baptist Church of
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#17328594850252178-854: The Baptist tradition on the High Street. There is also the Roman Catholic Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Runnacleave Road, the Methodist / United Reformed Emmanuel Church on Wilder Road, and the Salvation Army Corps church on Torrs Park, by Bath Place. There is a Jehovah's Witness meeting place in Victoria Road. Since at least the mid-17th century a light has been displayed from
2277-696: The Ilfracombe slates . Ilfracombe lies within the North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs and landscape. Hillsborough, lying close to the town centre is a local nature reserve, and around the town are many other havens for wildlife, notable including the Cairn . The coast itself is part of the North Devon Voluntary Marine Conservation area because of its diverse and rare species. Until
2376-761: The Iron Age , when the Dumnonii (the Roman name for the inhabitants of the South-West) established a hill fort on the dominant hill, Hillsborough (formerly Hele's Barrow ). The origin of the town's name has two possible sources. The first is that it is a derivative of the Anglo-Saxon Alfreinscoma - by which name it was noted in the Liber Exoniensis of 1086. The translation of this name (from Walter William Skeat of
2475-498: The M5 . From 1874, Ilfracombe was served by the Ilfracombe railway line that ran from Barnstaple , but this closed in 1970. Now, the nearest National Rail railway station is in Barnstaple and buses provide the public transport link from there to Ilfracombe. There are a number of regular bus services operating from Ilfracombe. These include: There are also several smaller routes around
2574-501: The Santísima Trinidad , and determined to see if she would surrender to him. He opened fire on the massive Spanish vessel, at the time the world's largest warship, carrying 136-guns on four decks, over a hundred more guns than the Terpsichore . The Spanish ship resisted Bowen's fire, and he broke off the attack. It was later discovered that Bowen's attack had killed nine men, and left a number of others badly wounded. Terpsichore
2673-611: The Second World War mean that a new pier was required. The wood was replaced with reinforced concrete and car parking space was increased. The new pier was opened on 6 July 1952. A seasonal passenger ferry , operated by MS Oldenburg , connects the harbour to Lundy Island . Pleasure boats, including MV Balmoral and PS Waverley , operate seasonal cruises from Ilfracombe, including crossings to Porthcawl . However, due to rising fuel costs these services are under threat. A catamaran-based ferry service from Ilfracombe to Swansea
2772-533: The Spanish Armament . He finally received his long-awaited commission as lieutenant on 21 September 1790, and an appointment to Jervis's flagship HMS Prince . Bowen's friend Robert Calder then requested his services aboard the 64-gun HMS Stately . Stately was paid off after the easing of tensions and Bowen applied to the Navy Board for a posting. The Board gave him command of three transports in
2871-625: The Third Fleet to resupply the colony at Port Jackson , New South Wales . He departed England in March 1791 and reached Port Jackson in July that year. There the Lieutenant-Governor, Philip Gidley King , decided that the rice supply was insufficient for the needs of the colony and despatched Bowen to Bengal to acquire more. Bowen set off on the voyage, dropping King and his family at Norfolk Island on
2970-461: The architecture of Ilfracombe which gives the town a Victorian flavour visible in many buildings. The latest style of architecture can be seen in the award-winning design of the Landmark Theatre . Verity is a 2012 stainless steel and bronze statue by Damien Hirst . The 20.25-metre (66.4 ft) tall sculpture stands on the pier at the entrance to the harbour. It has been loaned to
3069-487: The 1086 Domesday Book as being built by a Norman knight Champernon (from Chambernon in France) who landed with William of Normandy . It is also said to be haunted. Ilfracombe comprised two distinct communities; a farming community around the parish church called Holy Trinity , parts of which date from the 12th century, and a fishing community around the natural harbour formed between Capstone, Compass and Lantern Torrs. It
Richard Bowen - Misplaced Pages Continue
3168-553: The 14th-century chapel atop Lantern Hill, to guide ships entering the harbour. The light remains operational, and is said to be Britain's oldest lighthouse. The current lantern was installed by Trinity House in 1819; the date is shown on a fish-shaped weather vane . The light was owned and overseen by the Lord of the Manor of Ilfracombe; in the mid-19th century it was gas-powered (it used three gas burners with silvered reflectors ) and displayed
3267-637: The 30½ nautical miles (56.5 km; 35.1 mi) from Ilfracombe to Swansea was Gethin Jones , who achieved the record on 13 September 2009, taking nearly 22 hours. In 2016 Sian Clement became the first female and achieved a new fastest crossing at 14 hours 1 minute. From 2001 there was an economic regeneration programme led by the Ilfracombe & District Community Alliance MCTI, a community interest company designed to encourage social entrepreneurship . After widespread community consultation this programme developed
3366-721: The 50-gun HMS Jupiter on his arrival in January 1788, but he was superseded shortly afterwards by the arrival of Lord William Beauclerk. Temporarily shelving hopes for promotion, he took command of the government brig Lord Howe at the request of Sir John Orde , the Governor of Dominica . As captain of the Lord Howe he carried out anti-smuggling operations until July 1789. During this time Bowen made studies of mathematics, astronomy and surveying, before returning to serve under his old patron, now Rear-Admiral Sir John Jervis, in 1790 during
3465-461: The 98-gun HMS Boyne , and after the fleet had rendezvoused at Barbadoes , sailed for Martinique on 3 February 1794. Jervis placed Bowen in command of the guard and gunboats after the fleet's arrival at Fort de France Bay, and instructed him to prepare an assault on a large French frigate, the Bien Venu , chained to the walls of the fort protecting the city. The frigate was rumoured to hold
3564-512: The Admiralty Lord Spencer , while Nelson wrote to Jervis; Why is not a monument voted in St. Paul's, to perpetuate the memory of the gallant Bowen? I put it strongly to Lord Spencer. If you have an opportunity, pray express my surprise, that no mention has been made in either House of Parliament. Spencer demurred however, on the grounds that there was no precedent for such a memorial, when
3663-542: The Bay of Santa Cruz . On the night of 17/18 April a joint cutting out expedition was mounted by the two British frigates, each sending three boats of which those from the Terpsichore under the command of its First Lieutenant (Lieutenant George Thorp ) successfully captured the nearer of the Indiamen to the shore, Principe Fernando , sailing and towing her to sea while under fire from shore batteries for two hours. Bowen took part in
3762-512: The British ships after the withdrawal. Nelson said of Bowen that '...a more enterprising, able, and gallant officer, does not grace His Majesty's naval service!' Bowen was buried at sea on 27 July. There were applications after Bowen's death for a memorial to be erected to him in Westminster Abbey . Both his brother, Rear-Admiral James Bowen, and Sir John Jervis pressured the First Lord of
3861-604: The Caribbean and after distinguishing himself in actions against the French colonies there, finally received his own commands. He followed Jervis to the Mediterranean and took part in several hard-fought frigate actions, and even went so far as to attack the Santísima Trinidad , the largest warship in the world at the time, in his 32-gun frigate, HMS Terpsichore . He was operating off Tenerife in 1797 when he came under
3960-513: The Caribbean climate, and he was sent home with the despatches. Bowen soon recovered, and spent some time in the North Sea , until December 1795, when his old patron, Jervis, replaced Admiral William Hotham as commander of the Mediterranean Fleet . Jervis requested Bowen to come out and take command of a squadron of small vessels operating around Gibraltar in defence of British trade and
4059-426: The French fleet to disperse. Foudroyant led the chase and eventually became separated from the rest of the fleet. Jervis pressed on, bringing the sternmost French ship, the 74-gun Pégase to action early in the morning of 21 April and forcing her to surrender . Bowen acted as aide-de-camp to Jervis during the battle, and acquitted himself so well that Jervis advanced him to acting-lieutenant. Bowen also received
Richard Bowen - Misplaced Pages Continue
4158-421: The French surrender all of Vestale ' s masts and her bowsprit went by the board. She began to drift towards the breakers off Cadiz, while her crew were drunk. The British prize-crew managed to regain control, and both ships managed to ride out the storm that night. It was not until the following evening that the wind changed sufficiently for Bowen to attempt to tow his prize away. The line became snagged on
4257-537: The Irish nationalist Anna Catherine Parnell (sister of Charles Stewart Parnell ) drowned at Ilfracombe and is buried in the churchyard at Holy Trinity . Alice Frances Louisa Phillips (b. 26 January 1891 at 85 High Street, Ilfracombe) and her father Escott Robert Phillips (b. 1869 Cardiff) held 2nd class ticket No. 2 on the Titanic , and set sail from Southampton on 10 April 1912 heading for New Brighton, Pennsylvania . Alice
4356-651: The Premier Division of the Western Football League . A tennis club is based at Bicclescombe Park which contains six tennis courts. Maritime activities include a popular yacht club and a Gig boat club with three boats which now competes in the world championships. The South West Coast Path connecting Minehead in Somerset to Dorset , via Land's End , passes through the town from Hele Bay to Lee Bay via Ilfracombe Harbour. The first person to swim
4455-538: The Royal Navy in 1832. He was knighted and died in Ilfracombe in 1852. ( Gentlemen's Gazette ) There was a battlemented castle overlooking the harbor; of this nothing remains except contemporary records and the area designated Castle Hill off Portland Street/Montepellier Terrace. The novelist Frances Burney stayed in Ilfracombe in 1817. Her diary entries (2 July – 5 October) record early 19th-century life in Ilfracombe:
4554-451: The action in which he was killed was not successful. His father instead had a memorial to him erected in Ilfracombe parish church. The Naval Chronicle summarised his life and achievements; ...that spirited and indefatigable officer, who, in time of peace, had relieved and rescued from ruin an infant colony; who had taken from the enemy three frigates, of very superior force, after obstinate engagements, and one of them with boats only, in
4653-607: The authorities for the erection of a memorial in one of the main London churches, but their requests were turned down. Bowen was born in Ilfracombe , Devon in 1761. The Bowens were a seafaring family, with Richard's older brother James and two other siblings, George and Thomas, all serving in the navy. Richard went to sea at the age of thirteen, joining his father, who was captain of merchant ship. After two years with his father Richard joined his elder brother James' merchant ship and made trading voyages between England and Jamaica . He
4752-405: The boats carried workers, live and dead stock and other merchandise to and from the town. The PS Waverley (1885) arrived in Ilfracombe in 1887, after her owners P & A Campbell brought her to Bristol , initially on a charter, as their first pleasure steamer to work the Bristol Channel , and was based there until 1917. Deterioration of the wooden pier and part demolition during
4851-524: The chapel is open to visitors in the summer months. Ilfracombe Rugby Union Club was founded in 1877 and welcomes players from 16 to 61. Ilfracombe Golf Club (located just beyond Hele Bay ) was founded in 1892. The Ilfracombe cricket club play at Brimlands, a site shared with the town's rugby club. Ilfracombe Running Club was formed in 2013. They meet at Ilfracombe Town F.C. on Thursday evenings. Ilfracombe Town Football Club , who play at Marlborough Park near The Ilfracombe Academy , compete in
4950-540: The coastal North Devon area as far as Lynton and Lynmouth on the Somerset county border. It is a nationally recognised centre for Media Studies and was in 2004 awarded Media Arts Status. Upon completion of a new art block in 2007, the school's specialist status became simply arts. Further educational courses and vocational courses are run by the school. Ilfracombe Museum was opened in 1932 in Ilfracombe Hotel's Victorian laundry and contains attractions from around
5049-453: The command of Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson, who was quickly impressed by Bowen's zeal and ability. Bowen was given the task of leading the first wave of the assault on the town of Santa Cruz de Tenerife , but the attack went badly. The defenders poured grapeshot onto the attacking British, killing and wounding many, Bowen was killed while Nelson was badly wounded. Bowen's body was recovered and buried at sea. His friends and relations pressured
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#17328594850255148-600: The creation of better youth support and recreation facilities at the Larkstone eastern side of the harbour area. Each year, the residents and schoolchildren of Ilfracombe celebrate their heritage. These celebrations include six carnivals – a May Day , led by a "green" man walking celebration, it is a successor to the May Day events held for centuries until suppressed by the church in the 19th century because of riotous, licentious and drunken behaviour; Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration,
5247-408: The department of Anglo Saxon at Cambridge University ) means the "Valley of the sons of Alfred". The second origin is that the name Ilfracombe was derived from Norse illf (bad), Anglo-Saxon yfel (evil ford) and Anglo-Saxon cumb (valley) perhaps from a Celtic source (compare Welsh cwm ), thus 'The valley with the bad ford'. The manor house at Chambercombe in east Ilfracombe was recorded in
5346-455: The exception of twenty whom Bowen took prisoner, among them the captain and lieutenant. Finding that there were no British prisoners aboard, Bowen manned the cannon and fired a broadside into the fort. He then took his prisoners off and returned to the British ships. Only the contrary wind prevented Bowen from sailing the frigate out as well. Bowen received a mention in Jervis's despatches, where he
5445-583: The expectation of our conduct being approved.' Jervis confirmed this, writing Dear Bowen, The intelligence we received from the patrons of two pilot-boats, when off Cadiz, on the 17th December, that the French frigate then lying between the Diamond and Procros, had been dismasted and captured by an English frigate, impressed us all with an opinion, that the Terpsichore had achieved this gallant action. I lament exceedingly that you and your brave crew were deprived of
5544-417: The face of a powerful land force; who had preserved, to render further services to his Majesty, the brave garrison of Fort Matilda, at Guadeloupe; who had, in his little frigate, engaged the largest first rate in the Spanish navy; who had annoyed the enemy's trade almost beyond example; who, for the protection which he had afforded to the commerce of Britain, had received the most honourable acknowledgements from
5643-400: The first bombardment of Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 5 July, and worked with Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson to prepare plans for an assault on the town. In the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 24 July Bowen was assigned to lead the landing parties onto the mole. At the head of forty or fifty of his men he gained the mole, took the battery covering the harbour by storm and spiked its guns, and
5742-750: The fleet which rescued the British Army at Corunna in the Peninsular War . For his skill in saving the Peninsula army from Napoleon's forces, he was presented to a joint meeting of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament to receive the rare honour of record of "grateful thanks of the nation". He retired as a Rear Admiral and Commissioner of the Royal Navy . Captain Richard Bowen (1761–97) James Bowen's younger brother,
5841-536: The former British HMS Lively , while the second French ship, the corvette Hirondelle , escaped by using her sweeps . Bowen's second chance to prove his qualities came in 1782, after Darby had been succeeded by Samuel Barrington as commander of the Channel Fleet . On 20 April an enemy French fleet was sighted by lookouts aboard Captain John MacBride's HMS Artois . A general chase ensued, forcing
5940-673: The former urban district, with its council taking the name Ilfracombe Town Council. In 1997 the town council established a new headquarters at 44 High Street, which had been built in 1935 as the offices of the Ilfracombe Gas Company, naming it the Ilfracombe Centre. The town lies within the Parliamentary constituency of North Devon . It had Liberal Democrat representation from 1992 to 2015 with MP Nick Harvey . and again since 2024 through Ian Roome . From 2015 to 2024 it
6039-451: The frigate surrendered, and was discovered to be the Spanish Mahonesa . She was taken into service with the British as HMS Mahonesa . Bowen received a piece of plate valued at 100 guineas . Bowen refitted Terpsichore and departed on another cruise, capturing several small vessels on 12 and 13 November, sending them to Gibraltar, and on 22 November he learned from an American brig that he had encountered off Cape St. Mary's, that
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#17328594850256138-429: The garrison there. He soon made himself popular, and contemporaries remarked on his zeal and dedication. In early October 1796 the British squadron under Sir John Man was chased into Gibraltar by a Spanish fleet. Bowen set out in Terpsichore to report this to Jervis, and having rendezvoused with HMS Pallas of Jervis's fleet on 10 October, began the return voyage to Gibraltar. While off Cartagena on 13 October,
6237-407: The harbour and the site of an Iron Age fortified settlement. In the built environment, the architectural-award-winning Landmark Theatre has a distinctive double-conical design. The 13th-century parish church, Holy Trinity , and the St Nicholas's Chapel (a lighthouse) on Lantern Hill, have been joined by Damien Hirst 's statue of Verity as points of interest. Ilfracombe has been settled since
6336-416: The later ship to the West Indies with Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Hughes . He spent three years on the station, several times being appointed temporary lieutenant but being unable to have the commission confirmed. Bowen returned home in 1786, and passed his examination on 7 November 1787. With the prospect of war with the Dutch looming in 1787 he received an appointment to HMS Royal Sovereign , which
6435-404: The local lobster, crabs and whelks. There are many private charters, sea cruise and coastal tour boat operators sailing from the harbour. Ilfracombe is at the southern end of the A361 , the longest 3-digit A-road in England which finishes on the A5 at Kilsby on the Northamptonshire - Warwickshire border near Rugby and is the town's main connection with the South West England motorway,
6534-585: The lowest tides clambering around the rocks of the point. These tunnels led to a pair of tidal pools, which in accordance with Victorian morals, were used for segregated male and female bathing. Whereas women were constrained to a strict dress code covering up the whole body, men generally swam naked. The tunnels are still viewable and are signposted as Tunnels Beaches. In 1856, writer Mary Ann Evans (pen-name George Eliot ) accompanied George Henry Lewes to Ilfracombe to gather materials for his work Seaside Studies published in 1858. Actor Peter Sellers lived in
6633-406: The maindeck, was, by a shot fired after our opponent had actually struck, very severely, and as I much dread, incurably wounded, chiefly in the shoulder, but with the addition of several bad contusions in different places. I feel thankful, however, that I was not deprived of his co-operation, or my feelings agitated by the occasion, until our united efforts were crowned with success. Shortly after
6732-529: The merchants of London; who had been dangerously wounded in the execution of his duty; and who had finally laid down his inestimable life, for the glory of his King and Country. Jervis Bay in New South Wales, Australia was entered and named by Bowen in 1791 in the convict transport ship Atlantic of the Third Fleet , in honour of Admiral John Jervis. When explorer George Bass entered the same bay on 10 December 1797 he named Bowen Island in honour of Richard Bowen, who had been killed in July of that year. I
6831-404: The mid-19th century Ilfracombe's economy was based around maritime activities: importing lime and coal from Wales; fishing for herring; and international trade, including to West Africa and the West Indies . In George III and the Regency period the town, population then 1800, The town gradually developed into a tourist resort served by ferries along the Bristol Channel . The opening of
6930-405: The nickname 'Little Devil' amongst the Spanish. Pallas returned to port, but Terpsichore lingered, and that night captured a small prize from under the guns of the Spanish shore batteries. In April Jervis sent Bowen in the Terpsichore accompanied by the Dido to reconnoitre off Tenerife, where they found the Cadiz-bound Philippine frigates Principe Fernando and El Principe d'Asturia in
7029-424: The railway accelerated this development. The population grew until the First World War , then stabilised at 9,200, now 11,000. The economy suffered throughout the 1960s as UK holiday patterns changed, and suffered further through the closure of the railway line in 1970. In the last 25 years, major investment by private 'light engineering' companies has added to the economy. These companies include: Pall Europe -
7128-523: The same name. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Richard_Bowen&oldid=1053418448 " Category : Human name disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Richard Bowen (Royal Navy officer) Richard Bowen (1761 – 25 July 1797)
7227-448: The substantial reward of your exertions; but you cannot fail to receive the tribute due to you from the government and country at large. Bowen was at Gibraltar when news of Jervis's victory at the Battle of Cape St Vincent arrived. He immediately set out to join the fleet, and having fallen in with several other British frigates, including HMS Emerald , came across the Spanish first rate Santísima Trinidad . The Spanish ship
7326-516: The town for 20 years. The name of the piece refers to 'truth' and Hirst describes his work as a "modern allegory of truth and justice". The statue depicts a pregnant woman holding aloft a sword while carrying the scales of justice and standing on a pile of law books. Half of the sculpture shows the internal anatomy of the pregnant woman, with the foetus visible. Ilfracombe has churches of various Christian denominations. The main Anglican church
7425-627: The town run by the local operator Independent Coach Company. The first steam packets arrived at Ilfracombe in 1823, and soon a regular service between Bristol and between Swansea developed. On 16 May 1873, a wooden promenade pier was opened to allow the pleasure steamers to berth at all tides. On 23 June 1894, it was reported in the Ilfracombe Chronicle that over 2,500 people arrived in no less than seven boats, it describes them as 'commodious and well-appointed vessels with an excellent reputation for speed and comfort.' As well as holidaymakers,
7524-480: The town when his parents managed the Gaiety Theatre; he first stepped on the stage there and reputedly played the drums. Another actor, Terry Thomas visited the town frequently to stay with his sister, and in the same period, Joan Collins and Jackie Collins were schooled here and boarded in the town. In the last two decades, the town has been home to many artists including locally Damien Hirst , and George Shaw
7623-806: The way, and sailed east past New Caledonia , the Isle of Pines and Terra Arsacides, a route never before sailed. He also sailed a never-before navigated passage, between Borneo and Paragua into the South China Sea . From there he passed through the Straits of Malacca , reaching Bengal in January 1792. After acquiring provisions he made his way back to Port Jackson. He picked up Governor Arthur Phillip in December and returned him to Britain, arriving at Spithead in May 1793. By then he had completed two long voyages, one of them around
7722-409: The world including pickled bats and the two-headed kitten. It also contains items and photographs of local railway interest including one of the concrete name boards from the now closed local railway station , which can be seen on the front wall of the museum; and a collection of pieces of Victorian wedding cakes . It also has oak panels salvaged from the wreck of HMS Montagu . Ilfracombe also has
7821-485: The world, in a transport vessel. By the time of Bowen's arrival war had broken out between France and Britain. He was offered a chance to perform a similar to mission to his earlier voyages to the colonies in Australia, but turned in down in order to serve under Jervis, now commander-in-chief of an expedition to attack the French colonies in the Caribbean. Bowen joined the fleet as fourth-lieutenant and signal-officer aboard
7920-509: Was a Conservative seat, first represented by Peter Heaton-Jones from 2015 to 2019, and after 2019 by Selaine Saxby . The town is also twinned with Ifs in France . Ilfracombe overlies slates formed from sedimentary rock that underwent geological stress (creating faults and folds), towards the end of the Carboniferous Period , around 300 million years ago. These are known as
8019-408: Was advancing into the town in pursuit of the fleeing Spanish. As he did so the Spanish fired a large round of grapeshot onto his party, causing heavy casualties. Bowen and his first lieutenant ( George Thorp ) were among those killed, while Nelson and his men, who were just landing, were caught in the fire, Nelson being hit in his right arm. Bowen's body was recovered the next morning and returned to
8118-536: Was an ancient parish . It was also an ancient borough in the middle ages, but its borough status lapsed and it was subsequently run by its parish vestry , in the same way as most rural areas. Urban forms of local government were re-established in 1851 when a local board was created for the parish. The local board built a town hall at 20 High Street to serve as its headquarters, which was formally opened in 1863. Local boards were reconstituted as urban district councils in 1894. Ilfracombe Urban District Council
8217-638: Was an officer of the Royal Navy who served during the American War of Independence and the French Revolutionary Wars . Bowen saw service with Horatio Nelson , and was killed fighting alongside him at the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife . Bowen was born into a naval family, and first saw service alongside several distinguished naval figures, including John Jervis , who would become a long-standing friend and patron to Bowen. Bowen rose to prominence after distinguishing himself in several actions, but
8316-552: Was at Jamaica in 1778 when news reached him of the outbreak of war with the American colonies. He applied to join the navy as a volunteer and a position was found for him by his friend, Captain Benjamin Caldwell , then the commander of the frigate HMS Emerald . Caldwell and Bowen sailed to England in 1779, whereupon Caldwell was appointed to command the 50-gun HMS Hannibal . Finding her to be unready for sea, Bowen and
8415-465: Was based at the town hall until 1931, when it converted the west wing of the Ilfracombe Hotel on Wilder Road to become its offices and meeting place and sold the town hall. The urban district of Ilfracombe was abolished in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972 , with the area merging with neighbouring districts to become the new North Devon district. A successor parish was created covering
8514-536: Was being blockaded in the Chesapeake by two French frigates. Bowen set out to relieve him, an act he accomplished on 17 May, when the two British ships escaped to sea. The French attempted to pursue, but broke off when the British offered battle. Terpsichore and Daedalus sailed in company to Halifax , after which Bowen returned to the Caribbean. There he found the British positions on Guadeloupe under pressure from French forces, and helped to resupply them until it
8613-511: Was being prepared as the flagship of Admiral Hugh Pigot . Bowen hoped for a lieutenant's commission, but was to be disappointed, the war did not materialise and he found himself unemployed again. He went out to the West Indies on the advice of his brother James, and his patron Jervis, and with their recommendations he was able to secure the attention of the commander of the station Commodore Sir Peter Parker . Parker made him acting-lieutenant of
8712-480: Was credited for convincing the commanders to carry out their assault on the fortified French positions. Bowen and the gunboats supported the landings, which resulted in a British victory. Bowen's former quarry, the Bien Venu , was captured and commissioned as HMS Undaunted under the command of Captain Robert Faulknor , who had distinguished himself in the battle while commanding HMS Zebra . Faulknor
8811-474: Was deemed necessary to evacuate them. He ably oversaw the withdrawal, but received a wound to the face from French shot while assisting in the evacuation of the last of the troops. He received notes of praise from Rear-Admiral Charles Thompson and Vice-Admiral Benjamin Caldwell of the navy, and General Sir John Vaughan and Lieutenant-General Robert Prescott from the army. The wound however became dangerous in
8910-587: Was developed, however this service did not commence, reportedly because adequate landing and berthing facilities in Swansea have not been forthcoming. The town's educational needs are served by three schools: an infants school, a junior school and the Ilfracombe Academy . Each of these schools are amongst the largest of their type in Devon. The Ilfracombe Academy serves the needs of Ilfracombe residents and those across
9009-522: Was flying the Union Jack above her own colours, indicating that she was in the hands of a British prize-crew, but the bad weather meant no meaningful exchange could take place between the frigates and the Spanish vessel, and it was suspected that the British colours were being used as a ruse de guerre . After the frigates lost sight of the ship in bad weather, Bowen hurried to report the sighting to Jervis. While returning to his station he again fell in with
9108-567: Was given command of Undaunted on 20 March 1794, the same day the Bowen was promoted to master and commander, and succeeded Faulknor in command of Zebra . Bowen was promoted to post-captain in April, and briefly took command of the 64-gun HMS Veteran , before moving to the 32-gun HMS Terpsichore . He was sent out in the Terpsichore to North America, where he learnt that HMS Daedalus , under Captain Sir Charles Knowles ,
9207-471: Was in harbour, tied alongside the Mole in late May, and taking advantage of her apparent unreadiness to put to sea, two Spanish frigates carrying troops and money, attempted to leave Algeciras on 29 May. This was reported to Bowen, who quickly got Terpsichore to sea, and joining HMS Pallas , gave chase. Rather than risk an engagement the two Spanish ships rushed back to port. Terpsichore had by now gained
9306-464: Was initially posted to Ilfracombe to lead a protection ship for HM Customs and Excise . He married a local girl and rose through the officers’ ranks to retire as Vice Admiral. His son joined the navy aged 14 (his first navy kit is on display at National Maritime Museum, Greenwich ). In 1802 James Meek married Down's daughter and settled in the town; James Meek was appointed the Comptroller of Victuals to
9405-541: Was listed as having provided King John with ships and men to invade Ireland ; in 1247 it supplied a ship to the fleet that was sent to conquer the Western Isles of Scotland ; 6 ships, with 79 men were sent to support the siege of Calais . Ilfracombe was the last disembarkation point for two large forces sent to subdue the Irish . The building which sits on Lantern Hill by the harbour, known as St Nicholas's Chapel (built 1361)
9504-410: Was part of Vice-Admiral Sir George Darby's fleet when two French warships were sighted. The wind made prevented the British from approaching, causing Darby to order boats to tow HMS Perseverance into range. Bowen commanded one of the boats, and his actions and exertions caused favourable comments from his superiors. Perseverance was able to capture one of the French ships, which proved to be
9603-502: Was rescued in boat 12, but her father was lost in the disaster. There are three tiers of local government covering Ilfracombe, at parish (town), district and county level: Ilfracombe Town Council, North Devon Council (based in Barnstaple ) and Devon County Council (based in Exeter ). Ilfracombe Town Council is based at the Ilfracombe Centre at 44 High Street, which also serves as an area office for North Devon Council. Ilfracombe
9702-587: Was unable to gain a commission by the end of the war with America, and spent several years in the Caribbean , hoping to receive promotion. He took the opportunity to carry out a resupply mission to the colonies in Australia during the interwar years, a task he completed successfully, even though it involved a circumnavigation of the globe. Away from Britain for a considerable length of time while carrying this out, he found on his return that war had broken out with France. Reuniting with his old patron Jervis, Bowen returned to
9801-567: Was very much agitated by the danger you apprehended your brother was in, when you wrote: I have, however, derived great consolation from the report of Captain Mansfield, that he was much recovered and was able to walk down to the Mole, before he sailed. B. The Vestale was captured in 1799 by Captain Charles Cunningham 's HMS Clyde . Ilfracombe Ilfracombe ( / ˈ ɪ l f r ə k uː m / IL -frə-koom )
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