A Step Back Into Timeless Tranquility

I grew up in a northern city never realising that my grandmother was born in Ilfracombe in 1905. I knew she spoke differently but was only when I was 10 did I start to truly listen to the beautiful accent of my grandmother and the stories she told of her childhood in Ilfracombe. Sadly it was only after the death of close family that I started to research my beautiful family and retraced steps to my grandmother's home town. What a beautiful town. I spent 4 days searching for the old homes and amazingly found the public house owned by my x3 great grandfather George Coats was still standing. It was The Crown back in the 1840s but it was there. Sadly Compass Hill was no longer there. I read that one of the oldest of Ilfracombe's residents lived in Compass Hill. I believe she was my X4 great grandmother. I took my son with me as I believe it is important that he realises his family was not steeped in the anonymity of city living but in a gentler more community spirited little seaside town. And I wish I was able to ask my grandmother why she left such a beautiful place.