Silverton

from

A Topographical Dictionary of England

by

 Samuel Lewis (1831)

Transcript copyright Mel Lockie (Sep 2016)

SILVERTON, a parish in the hundred of HAYRIDGE, county of DEVON, 5½ miles (S. W. by W.) from Cullompton, containing 1308 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Exeter, rated in the king's books at £51. 8. 4., and in the patronage of the Earl, of Ilchester and the Hon. P. C. Wyndham. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a handsome specimen of the later style of English architecture; adjoining it are some slight remains of an ancient chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There is a place of worship for Wesleyan Methodists. The river Exe marks the northern boundary of the parish. A market was formerly held here weekly: there are cattle fairs on the first Thursday in March and July, and a pleasure fair on September 4th. The free school was founded, in 1724, by John Richards, who gave £1200 for its erection and support; the present annual income is £90, and the number of boys taught about seventy. Sixty girls are also instructed in a school supported by voluntary contributions and an annuity of £2. 10., the gift of the Rev. Richard Troyle, in 1730.