Beer was originally a Viking settlement, one of several enclaves around our coast, and this explains the villages' long tradition of seafaring and seamanship.

The earliest mention of Beer is in a charter granted by King Ethelred in 1005. It passed through many hands until the ravages of the Great Plague of 1646, which left the village almost empty of inhabitants.

Fishing has been the main industry for many hundreds of years and the old Beer 'Luggers' (unique fishing vessels now only used for racing) were very distinctive with their red sails.

Lugger racing off Sidmouth

It was Beer fishermen who started trawling from Brixham, and it was the same stock who established the North Sea fishing industry.

Fishing is still as central to the Beer community today as it was then, with hundreds of holiday-makers sampling the local delicacies every summer. Fresh crab being an all time favourite.

The locally owned boats still haul up the shingle beach and drop their catch for sale to the locals as well as being fresh packed and shipped far and wide.

Now, in the 21st century Beer fishermen are still catching and selling the freshest of fish and continuing to satisfy the discerning palate of their loyal customers.