As we approach Valentines Day our thoughts turn to the ones we love. That special person who makes a difference in our lives and makes us happy. They may not be a Romeo or even Juliet for that matter, but where did many romances start? The dance floor? The office at work? Or maybe a Valentines card through the post?

Here at  Ilfracombe Museum we have a small collection of Valentines cards, mostly Victorian, but a couple possibly older, that are genuinely quite moving. Some are brightly coloured, some are embroidered, one moves by pulling the paper either side of a painted cupid. Decorated with wedding rings, the two hearts cross over to reveal the line “2 hearts that beat as one”.

There is also a written “Valentine” posted with a Penny Black stamp from a ‘William S.’ to his sweetheart Jane Bird of Bishops Tawton, probably dating around the early 1840s. It tells how his heart went “pat pat” as she passed near him, but he couldn’t tell her how he felt.  “Jane Bird is her name and single is her life

Happy will that young man be,  That has her for his wife”

During the first lockdown we received a photo album that features many photos of a couple who met and fell in love in Ilfracombe while stationed here during the war in 1943. Although later they married and lived in Scotland, Ilfracombe was always dear to them. Their photos of themselves and their friends are full of love and happiness and good times, even though it was during such difficult times. Their son thought that the museum was the perfect place for it to stay after his parents sadly passed away.

Over the years many people had their Honeymoons right here in Ilfracombe and the train that brought them was nicknamed the “Honeymoon Special”. Also for some that grew up and lived here, the train was how young couples left to Honeymoon in the bright lights of Bristol or Exeter.

With such a romantic coastline, it is not hard to imagine many a romance blossomed in our pretty town.

It is said that Admiral Lord Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton met sometimes at the Britannia, and this may very well be true. He served with John Bean Bowen who lived in the Langleigh area of Ilfracombe and were doubtless friends.