Port Isaac has been a fishing village since the early fourteenth century. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with old white-washed cottages and traditional granite, slate-fronted Cornish houses, many of which are listed as of architectural or historic importance. Port Isaac is reputed to have one of the narrowest thoroughfares in Britain, the aptly named Squeezy Belly Alley! From the Middle Ages until the middle of the 19th century, Port Isaac was a busy port handling various imports and exports, including coal, timber, pottery and Delabole slate. In fact, the name Port Isaac is derived from the Cornish Porth Izzick meaning the 'corn port'. After the advent of the railways, it became principally a fishing port. Today it is a traditional fishing village with a vibrant local community, It is also home to the TV series Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes, and attracts thousands of visitors each year.