 By the beginning of the 18th century , trade between Minehead and Ireland , South Wales , Bristol and Bridgwater grew , with forty vessels based in the harbour for trade and herring fishing . It was also a departure point for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostella . Until the 19th century trade continued with Ireland but Minehead vessels started to travel further afield to Virginia and the West Indies . Further problems with the port continued and led to a decline in trade and the fisheries in the late 18th century and in 1834 the port lost its jurisdiction to Bridgwater . In the 20th century most trade transferred to larger ports , but pleasure steamers did call at the port . Minehead Lifeboat Station was established in 1901 near the harbour . The pier was demolished during the Second World War as it obstructed the view from the gun battery on the quay head , as part of the coastal defence preparations , which stopped steamers calling at the harbour until it was cleared in 1951 . 
