 There was a small port at Minehead by 1380 , but it was not until 1420 that money given by Lady Margaret Luttrell enabled improvements to be made and a jetty built . During the reign of Elizabeth I , the town had its own Port Officer similar to the position at Bristol . Vessels in the 15th century included the Trinite which traded between Ireland and Bristol , and others carrying salt and other cargo from La Rochelle in France . Other products included local wool and cloth which were traded for coal from South Wales . In 1559 a Charter of Incorporation , established a free Borough and Parliamentary representation , but was made conditional on improvements being made to the port . The harbour silted up and fell into disrepair so that in 1604 James I withdrew the town 's charter . Control reverted to the Luttrells and a new harbour was built , at a cost of £ 5 @,@ 000 , further out to sea than the original , which had been at the mouth of the Bratton Stream . It incorporated a pier , dating from 1616 , and was built to replace that at Dunster which was silting up . Trade was primarily with Wales for cattle , sheep , wool , butter , fish and coal . These are commemorated in the town arms which include a woolpack and sailing ship . Privateers based at Minehead were involved in the war with Spain and France during 1625 – 1630 and again during the War of the Spanish Succession from 1702 – 1713 . The first cranes were installed after further improvements to the port in 1714 . 
