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CHUDLEIGH

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

"CHUDLEIGH, (or Chidleigh) a parish and market town in the hundred of Exminster, in the county of Devon, 6 miles N.E. of Newton-Abbott railway station, and 10 S. of Exeter. It is situated on an eminence near the E. bank of the river Teign, and was formerly the residence of the bishops of Exeter, who had a magnificent palace here, some remains of which still exist. In 1309 Bishop Stapleton procured for it the grant of a weekly market and fair. During the civil war of Charles I. the forces of General Fairfax were quartered here. In 1807 a large portion of the town, comprising 166 houses and property to the value of £60,000, was destroyed by fire. The greater part of the present town is therefore modern, and consists principally of one street, but the houses are small and only indifferently supplied with water. In the neighbourhood are large quarries of marble and limestone, which afford employment to many of the inhabitants. The living is a vicarage* in the diocese of Exeter, value £350, in the patronage of trustees for the inhabitants. The church, dedicated to St. Martin and the Virgin Mary, is an ancient Gothic edifice, and possesses a beautiful font, screen, and stained-glass windows. The church has of late years undergone various repairs. The Baptists, Wesleyans, and Independents have places of worship. There are National schools for both sexes, and infant schools, supported by voluntary contributions. A free grammar school was founded in 1668 by John Pynsent, a native of this parish. Lord Clifford is lord of the manor, and resides at Ugbrook Park near this place. In the park is a Roman camp, and a Danish one near it. Chudleigh Rock, commanding a beautiful view, consists of a large mass of limestone with a cavern in it, from whence an intermitting stream issues. Market day is Saturday. Fairs are held on Easter Monday, the third Tuesday and Wednesday in June, and the 20th October.

"LINDRIDGE, a seat in the parish of Chudleigh, hundred of Exminster, county Devon, 2 mile S.E. of Chudleigh, and 10 S. of Exeter. It is situate near the river Teign, and is surrounded by plantations. It formerly belonged to the Martyn and Learfamilies, and contains some valuable paintings."

Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003