Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

Two Devon towns which both have significant claims to fame are Barnstaple and Braunton located close to each other on the North Devon coast. Barnstaple is claimed to be the United Kingdom’s oldest borough, having its own mint even before the invasion of Britain by the Normans. A town which grew around the wool trade, Barnstaple was established on the River Taw’s lowest crossing point. To the north-west of Barnstaple, Braunton claims to be the biggest village in the United Kingdom, though many would call it a small town with its resident population of 7,500. Another ancient settlement, Braunton was mentioned in the Domesday Book and was possible founded by St Brannock, a missionary who crossed the Bristol Channel in the 6^th century AD. Both towns attract visitors for various reasons and the North Devon coast sees a large influx of tourists during the summer months due to the fine weather conditions and the attractive coastline. Devon Map.