BISHOP'S TAWTON

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)]

"BISHOP'S TAWTON, a parish in the hundred of South Molton, in the county of Devon, 2 miles to the S. of Barnstaple, its post town. It is pleasantly situated on the east bank of the river Taw, from which it takes its name, and contains the chapelry of Newport. This place is said to have been the seat of the first Bishop of Devon at the commencement of the 10th century. The see was subsequently removed to Creditors. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Exeter, value £440, in the patronage of the bishop. The church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and contains several monuments. The parochial charities amount to £17 per annum."

"NEWPORT, a hamlet in the parish of Bishop's Tawton, hundred of South Molton, county Devon, half a mile S. by E. of Barnstaple, of which it may be considered a populous suburb. The village, which has a post-office, is situated on rising ground, commanding views of Barnstaple Bay and the river Taw. It contains a brewery, foundry, and spinning-mill, and is surrounded by many family seats and modern villas. The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Exeter, value £90, in the patronage of the Vicar of Bishop's Tawton. The church was erected in 1828, at the cost of £1,300. Half the sittings are free."