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MONKLEIGH

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

"MONKLEIGH, a parish in the hundred of Shebbear, county Devon, 3 miles W. of Great Torrington, its post town, and 4 S. of the Bideford railway station. The village, which is of small extent, is situated on the high road from Bideford to Holsworthy. The river Torridge, from which there is a small canal leading to Great Torrington, bounds the parish on the E., separating it from the parishes of Great Torrington and Wear-Giffard. The North Devon Pottery Company have works here, employing a great number of hands. The soil is chiefly a brown loam resting upon a substratum of clay, and in the southern extremity of the parish is a narrow vein of red land. There are kilns for burning lime. The living is a rectory* in the diocese of Exeter, value £180. The church, dedicated to St. George, is an ancient stone edifice, with a tower containing five bells. The interior of the church contains a screen, two brasses bearing date from 1442 and tombs of the Hachfords of Annery. The parochial charities produce about £2 2s. per annum, bequeathed by Lord Rolle for the benefit of the schools. There are parochial schools for both sexes, in which a Sunday-school is also held. There are two places of worship for the Wesleyans. Petticombe and Annery House are the principal residences."

Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003