Gazetteer
History Gazetteer and Directory of Devonshire 1850
Devonshire, the largest county in England after Yorkshire, is notable for its agricultural significance and rich mineral resources, including copper and granite. Its extensive coastline and important maritime activities, particularly at Plymouth, enhance its economic stature. The county features 30 market towns and Exeter as its capital. Historically inhabited by the Danmonii, it has connections to ancient trade with the Phoenicians. Devon was under Roman rule and later became part of the kingdom of Wessex, with unique governance by Stannary Laws influencing its mining districts.
1850 Gazetteer of Yealmpton England
Yealmpton is a significant village located 7 miles east of Plymouth, set on a hillside overlooking the river Yealm. It features a monthly cattle market and holds Petty Sessions for local magistrates. The parish encompasses 1317 residents and fertile land, including the hamlets of Dunstone and Yealm Bridge. Historically noted as a borough, it was linked to Saxon King Ethelwold. The church, St. Bartholomew, is undergoing extensive restoration. The manor is owned by E. R. P. Bastard, Esq., and includes several estates within the parish.
1850 Gazetteer of Woodleigh England
Woodleigh, a small village and deanery, is situated 3½ miles north of Kingsbridge, encompassing a population of 269 across 2,319 acres, alongside the hamlets of Priston and Hendham. Historically, the manor belonged to the Damarells and is now divided among several local gentry. The 15th-century Wood Barton mansion is in ruins, while St. Mary’s Church features a recently renovated structure and notable memorials. The rectory, valued at £420 in 1831, is associated with Exeter College, Oxford, and managed by Rev. George Dawson.
1850 Gazetteer of Wembury England
Wembury is a coastal village located 6 miles southeast of Plymouth, encompassing 3,670 acres and a population of 616. Historically significant, the manor transitioned from Plympton Priory to various owners, notably Sir John Hele in the 16th century, who constructed an elaborate mansion. Presently, notable landowners include E. R. P. Bastard and C. B. Calmady. The parish church, St. Werburg, features historical monuments and the legacy of endowments for the poor and clergy. A Wesleyan chapel was established in 1820.
1850 Gazetteer of Ugborough England
Ugborough is an attractive village located 2½ miles east of Ivybridge, nestled among higher hills. It encompasses a population of 1,532 across 8,659 acres, featuring several notable mansions and hamlets. The parish includes a historic church, known for its impressive tower, and hosts large cattle fairs in May and November. The manor has passed through several distinguished families since the Domesday Survey. Notable estates include Fowelscombe, built in 1537. The vicarage is currently valued at £185, with historical ties to Plympton Priory.
1850 Gazetteer of Totnes England
Totnes, an ancient market town in Devon, lies along the river Dart and is notable for its castle remnants. It serves as an archdeaconry and deanery and is part of a larger borough that includes Bridgetown. The town has a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book and features a varied landscape of pastures and meadows. Its market activities and proximity to the river ensure a thriving local economy. Modern developments include a railway station, improved navigation on the Dart, and various educational and charitable institutions.
1850 Gazetteer of Thurlestone England
Thurlestone is a small village located 4½ miles W.S.W. of Kingsbridge, featuring a population of 437 and encompassing 1,768 acres of fertile land. The parish includes the hamlets of Buckland, Avenmouth, and the fishing village of Bantham. The Earl of Devon is the lord of the manor, with portions owned by various freeholders. The notable Thurlestone Rock, formed from red conglomerate, stands on the coast. The ancient church, with a finely crafted pulpit, is supported by a parish school established in 1844.
1850 Gazetteer of Stokenham England
Stokenham, a village located 5½ miles east of Kingsbridge, has a population of 1,619 and encompasses 5,920 acres of land, which includes several coastal villages known for fishing. The parish features a lighthouse at Start Point, annual regattas at Torcross, and a variety of estates owned by notable families. St. Barnabas Church, an ancient structure, houses significant historical features. The parish also supports a school and various charitable provisions. Historically, Stokenham once hosted a market and fair, now relocated to Dodbrooke.
1850 Gazetteer of South Milton England
South Milton is a small village situated in a fertile valley, three miles southwest of Kingsbridge, with a population of 475 and an area of 1,556 acres. The manor is held by Mrs. Prideaux, while significant portions of land belong to W. R. Ilbert of Horsewell House. The village features a notable church with a tall embattled tower and six bells. The benefice is associated with the vicarage of West Alvington, and parish lands include seven acres and four cottages aiding the church and the poor.
1850 Gazetteer of Slapton England
Slapton is a quaint village located six miles southwest of Dartmouth, with a population of 726 and covering 3,260 acres of tithe-free land. The village features the Sands Hotel, offering visitors a scenic promenade along the beach and a nearby freshwater lake known as the Ley. The parish has historical significance, with remnants of Pole Priory and an ancient church dedicated to St. Mary. It hosts educational legacies established by John Kellond and aims to erect a school for local children.
1850 Gazetteer of Stoke-Gabriel England
Stoke-Gabriel is a picturesque village situated 3½ miles southeast of Totnes, on the eastern bank of the Dart estuary. The parish encompasses 691 residents and 2595 acres of fertile, wooded land, featuring notable mansions such as Watton Court and Sandridge. The historic St. Gabriel’s Church, predominantly in the later decorated style, houses several monuments and a large yew tree. The community benefits from a National School and a Baptist chapel, alongside support for the poor through land and annuities. Notably, navigator Capt. John Davies was born here.
1850 Gazetteer of Stoke Fleming England
Stoke Fleming is a modernized village located on a hill overlooking Start Bay, approximately 2.5 miles from Dartmouth. The parish encompasses 736 residents and 3,332 acres of mainly fertile land. It includes the hamlets of Ash, Buckford, Blackpool, and Emeridge, and features notable historical sites, such as the ancient church of St. Peter and remnants of a former manor house. The rectory has a rich history, and provisions exist for local poor families. Sir H. P. Seale, Bt., is the lord of the manor.
1850 Gazetteer of Staverton England
Staverton is a small village in Devon, situated along the river Dart, with a population of 1,069. The parish covers over 5,300 acres and includes notable hamlets like Woolstone Green. The Penn Recca Slate Quarries, recently modernized, employ around 100 workers and produce high-quality slate. The village features St. George’s Church, a significant local structure, and is under the patronage of the Dean and Chapter of Exeter. Community support for the poor is provided through land and financial endowments from past benefactors.
1850 Gazetteer of South Pool England
South Pool is a small village located five miles southeast of Kingsbridge, with a population of 555 residents. The parish includes North Pool hamlet and part of Frogmore village. Land ownership is divided among W. M. Praed, the Earl of Devon, and other smaller proprietors. The notable St. Cyriac Church, featuring a striking tower and intricate interior carvings, serves as a historical landmark. The parish has a rectory valued at £486 and provides for the poor through legacies established in the 17th century.
1850 Gazetteer of Ringmore England
Ringmore, a small village near Bigbury Bay, lies 4½ miles south of Modbury and encompasses 362 residents and approximately 1,400 acres. The village’s boundaries are defined by the sea to the south and east, alongside the River Aven. The lord of the manor is H. R. Roe, with historical ties to the Fitzstephen and Fishacre families. The parish’s ancient church, featuring a tower and two bells, is a rectory valued at £309 in 1831, with Rev. G. Butland as the incumbent. Additionally, parishioners benefit from a house established by Fras. Kirkham in 1768.
1850 Gazetteer of Shaugh Prior England
Shaugh Prior is a large parish located in the Plym Valley, extending 7 to 10 miles from Plymouth. It features scattered farmhouses, notable landmarks like Dewerstone rock, and is popular among anglers. The parish comprises 698 residents and spans 7,170 acres, with a history tied to Plympton Priory. Its ancient church is of perpendicular style, overseen by the Rev. S. W. Pearse. The parish supports the poor with funds from local benefactors, while notable landowners include Sir R. Lopes and the Earl of Morley.
1850 Gazetteer of Sherford England
Sherford is a historic village in a scenic valley, located three miles east of Kingsbridge, with a population of 450 and covering 2,326 acres, including part of Frogmore. The parish has notable features such as lime kilns and coal wharfs. Historically, it belonged to St. Nicholass Priory and various prominent families. The Church of St. Martin showcases decorated architecture and houses several significant artifacts. The parish includes a Wesleyan Chapel and provisions for local seamen’s families, reflecting its communal spirit and heritage.
1850 Gazetteer of South Brent England
South Brent is a sizable village located in the Avon valley, five miles northeast of Ivybridge. The parish, home to 1,237 residents, spans approximately 10,100 acres, predominantly open common land and some cultivated fields. Once a market town, it hosts two annual fairs and retains historical significance with its large church, St. Patrick. The manor, formerly belonging to Buckfastleigh Abbey, has been divided among various owners. The village also features small chapels, ruins of an ancient building, and provisions for the poor, evidencing its community focus.
1850 Gazetteer of South Huish England
South Huish is a parish situated 4 to 5 miles southwest of Kingsbridge, comprising scattered houses and a population of 368. It covers 1150 acres along Bigbury Bay and includes the hamlets of Silverhill, Galmpton, and the fishing village of Hope Cove, where new lodging for bathers is planned by the Earl of Devon. The parish’s ancient church, featuring a tower and four bells, is linked to the vicarage of West Alvington, with tithes commuted in 1840. Galmpton hosts a chapel and school linked to the Plymouth Brethren.