Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust (The Trust) is an educational charity supporting the rebuilding and operation of the railway by the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Company, in North Devon, England. Working closely with its subsidiary the "Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Company" and other sister organisations, the Trusts charitable objectives are: (1) To acquire preserve and restore for the public benefit items of historical, architectural, engineering or scientific value in connection with railways; and (2) To advance the education of the public in the history sociology and technology of narrow-gauge railways and railways in general
Barnstaple and it was the largest textile centre outside Exeter until about 1600. Its wool trade was further aided by the town's port, from which in 1588 five ships were contributed to the force sent to fight the Spanish Armada. Barnstaple was one of the "privileged ports" of the Spanish Company, (established 1577) whose armorials are visible on two of the mural monuments to 17th century merchants in St Peter's Church, and on the decorated plaster ceiling of the former "Golden Lion Inn", 62 Boutport Street (now a restaurant next to the Royal and Fortescue Hotel). The developing trade with America