Bedford Hotel Formerly the Royal Marine Library of John Wallis, Bookseller by Appointment to the Duke and Duchess of Kent. Established here c. 1813. Publisher, bookseller and business associate of R Ackerman of Strand, London. Much knowledge of early 19th C. Sidmouth comes from Wallis's publications and topographical prints. The Library was badly damaged in the great storm of 22nd Nov 1824, the Wallis family only just escaping