KINGSBRIDGE 137 



the latter on the occidental side, which last, rising to a 

 tremendous height, discloses the resemblance of a human 

 profile, while the projection immediately opposite, and nearly 

 two miles within the Prawle, called Peartree Point (being 

 part of Rickham Common), is low and flat." 



The town of Salcombe does not present a very attractive 

 appearance on first entering it. The streets are narrow and 

 ill-paved, and the shops by no means first-rate, but great 

 improvements have taken place of late years; many new 

 houses have been built, and there is a prospect of its 

 becoming a place of much more importance than it has 

 hitherto been, especially if the Kingsbridge Railway should 

 ever be opened, and the proposed extension to Salcombe 

 carried out. 



The coast scenery around is very fine, and the climate 

 exceedingly mild ; indeed, it is considered the warmest place 

 on the south-west coast. The celebrated Dr. John Huxham, 

 who practised at Plymouth in the reign of George II., used 

 to call it " the Montpellier of England ; " and Humboldt 

 says " its mean temperature is but 2 A Farht. below that of 

 Montpellier and of Florence." Invalids resort thither for 

 shelter during the winter months, and doubtless will do so 

 to a much greater extent when there is more accommodation 

 provided for them than is to be found there at present. 



The manor of Salcombe belongs to the Earl of Devon, 

 whose steward holds a court leet and court baron here, and 

 appoints the constables. He is also Lord of the Manors of 

 Malborough, Ilton,* East Sewer, Bolbury, Batson, Collaton- 

 Prawle, Hope, &c. 



* " Uton, or Ithdstone Castle, was the ancient dwelling of Bozun, in 

 King Henry II.'s time, whose inheritance after some descents, was divided 

 between two daughters ; the one married Sir Hugh Ferrers, and the other 



