exploring – We love mid-devon

Culmstock Beacon

September 13, 2018 by welovemiddevon, posted in Beacon, Blackdown Common, countryside, culmstock, culmstock beacon, devon, exploring, Hemyock, history, Mid-Devon, Spanish Armada, uffculme, Visit Devon, wildlife

41515090_236658867023922_6333424311587569664_n — Culmstock Beacon and views

Culmstock Beacon is a stone hut which sits at the top of Blackdown Common and watches over a number of nearby villages including Culmstock, Hemyock and Uffculme. The views from the Beacon hut are so extensive that on a fair day it is possible to see almost as far as Exeter.

41496125_544285962664791_5526833065466265600_n — The hut

41521045_340255300049513_6124446475867914240_n — Culmstock Beacon from Nicholashayne approach

The hut was initially built in the early to mid-1500s – likely during the reign of Elizabeth I. It was used as part of a network of similar warning signals built at the top of hills across the South West of England. Although the hut at Culmstock is not completely original due to restoration, it has played an important part in British history.

41479996_533665260406896_2904544695608672256_n — Path leading to Blackdown Common from Nicholashayne

The hut would have originally supported a basket above the hole within the top of the stone roof which was filled with straw and set alight to warn of impending invasion. In the day, one person from the local community would have taken charge of supervising the Beacon and at night there would have been two or three people on constant watch. As invading ships were spotted, fire beacons were lit to warn of the approaching enemy. This was incredibly important during the Spanish Armada of 1588 when invading Spanish ships were seen from the South West coast of Britain. Fire beacons were lit and this quickly conveyed the message to London that the country was at imminent risk from invasion. It is entirely possible that the Beacon at Culmstock was one of those that was lit to pass the message. In one of the most well-known British naval victories, the Spanish Armada of 1588 was beaten and this success was due in part to the quick reaction of the local people who lit the fire beacons.

41666410_237964096871047_6829093842835210240_n — Looking at the sky through the hole in the roof

41616372_1911877368902183_2516076319708545024_n — Looking through the window from inside the hut

41503628_2121100644568818_6809617562012221440_n — Looking through the door from inside the hut

The Beacon is easily viewed from the nearby villages of Culmstock and Hemyock and it is reached by a short drive towards Culmstock from the A38 which passes through the Devon/Somerset border near the village of Burlescombe. The Beacon can be accessed by a number of narrow roads which all have very limited parking so, if possible, the easiest way to reach the Beacon is by walking from one of the nearby villages. At the foot of the Blackdown Common are a number of roads that lead to dead ends and therefore the Beacon itself can only be accessed on foot. If you are intending to walk up to the top of the hill do be careful. It can be uneven underfoot and the rocks and stones become slippery when wet. The paths on Blackdown Common are also easily waterlogged and so it is advised that you wear sturdy, waterproof boots.

41647136_2026640024315086_8744427069603053568_n — Views over Culmstock and Hemyock from Culmstock Beacon and top of Blackdown Common

41486641_474144713086078_608733634781773824_n — Heather on Blackdown Common

41675216_1819480264817465_3283977929196830720_n — Views over Culmstock and Hemyock from Culmstock Beacon and top of Blackdown Common

Be prepared to see plenty of beautiful wildlife as you make your way up to the Beacon hut. Blackdown Common is covered in heather which gives the hills a beautiful purple tinge when it is at its best. There are an abundance of wild ponies which graze on the common and you will be guaranteed to spot them. Rather more tricky to spot however are the beautiful deer which often leap out in front of you as you walk up to the hut. There are no restrictions as to when the Beacon can be accessed and there are amazing views to be seen all year round. This beautiful viewpoint over Mid-Devon is definitely worth many return trips.

Article by Jo Norton, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Jo Norton

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Canonsleigh Abbey, Burlescombe

September 7, 2018September 13, 2018 by welovemiddevon, posted in Abbey, Aelfrun, Archaeology, Augustinian Priory, Bishop Quivel, Blog, Canonsleigh, devon, Domesday Book, exploring, Grand western canal, Historic England, history, medieval, Mid-Devon, Priory, Visit Devon, Walter de Claville, william the conqueror

p1060257 — Abbey ruins – accessible via public footpath

Situated on the edge of the idyllic Grand Western Canal in Devon, between Fossend and Fenacre bridges are the ruins of Canonsleigh Abbey (sometimes also called Canonsleigh Priory). There isn’t much left of the original site but the ruins that remain, provide a small glimpse into the importance of the Abbey and its purpose in Medieval times. The remains are now a combination of Grade two listed and scheduled monuments, protected by Historic England, meaning that they cannot be changed or destroyed.

p1060366 — Abbey ruins – accessible via public footpath

p1060402 — The Abbey Gatehouse – now private property

An Abbey/Priory has been in existence on the site for almost a thousand years, but the exact date of its original creation is uncertain. The closest determination is that some time around 1161 and 1173 a Royal confirmation for a Priory on the site was granted. It is thought however, that a Priory may well have been in operation before that date. In 1086 Walter I de Claville, a Frenchman from de Clavile in Rouen, France was gifted the land in the area of “Leigh” by William the Conqeror after his success at the Battle of Hastings. The landowner at the time had been a female Saxon called Aelfrun, a fact documented in the Domesday book in 1086.

p1060263 — Hole (likely a window) in the side of the Abbey wall

The Priory at Leigh became known as Canonsleigh. It was a small Priory of Augustinian Canons/Priests, with just twelve in the order to start with, and was dedicated to St John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary. It operated as most Priory’s did in those days, with the Canons/Priests having ties to neighbouring villages such as Sampford Arundel, Netherton and Pugham. There were areas for prayer, gardens and kitchens. The Priory was subsidised by the Plympton Augustinian Priory, sadly however this had an impact on the Priory, and the it eventually found itself in financial difficulties. Isabella de Fortibus and the Countess of Gloucester (a dowager called Matilda, who wanted a memorial for her late husband), set about a chain of events that would see the Priory given over to them and turned into a nunnery. In 1284, after nine days of negotiations, the Canons were forced from the site by Bishop Quivel and men armed with bows and arrows. Canonsleigh Priory then became known as Canonsleigh Abbey, formally ending the Augustinian order at the site.

p1060376 — The Abbey Gatehouse through trees by Westleigh Quarry

Canonsleigh Abbey was set up for around forty Canonesses, but their life at the Abbey wasn’t easy, and like the Canons/Priests before them they suffered hardship. They drew income from a variety of sources, including their relationship with Burlescombe Village Church, and donations from wealthy landowners, but it wasn’t enough. Money that had been set aside in the Bishop’s treasury by Matilda was borrowed by King Edward I, and it took the Canonesses fifty years of fighting to get it back. Eventually King Edward III (Edward I Grandson), returned the funds.

p1060386 — View of the Abbey remains from private property

p1060379 — View of the Abbey remains from private property

In the 1500’s life at Canonsleigh Abbey became even more difficult. Henry the VIII ordered the dissolution of all Convents, Friaries, Monasteries and Abbeys between 1536 and 1541 in England, Wales and Ireland. This act saw thousands of religious buildings razed to the ground, and income seized from the respective religious chapters. Canonsleigh Abbey didn’t escape, and even though it managed to carry on for a number of years after the Act was created it finally met its demise in September 1539, when the Abbey was razed to the ground and the Canonesses pensioned off.

p1060345 — View of the Abbey remains from private property

Nowadays, Canonsleigh Abbey/Priory, is a small cluster of ruinous stone buildings that are slowing being claimed by ivy, trees and bushes. Many don’t know of its existence unless they happen to know someone who lives in the area. There has been much discussion about what buildings do remain on the now abandoned site. We know that Canonleigh Gatehouse exists, standing away from the other ruins, surrounded by modern builds. Amongst the other ruins, called the eastern ruins of the Abbey, it’s documented that there’s a Leat (millstream/artificial watercourse), a Reredorter (possible waste channel from privies and kitchens) and a maybe even a mill, as well as walls, partial buttresses, and a ‘room’. Thoughts are that one of these sites may actually be a kitchen area; likely in the Gatehouse.

p1060350 — The Leat (looking at where water enters from a natural stream)

Evidence suggests that the site was much larger when in use, and housed St Theobalds Church, a chapel of Holy Trinity (now two cottages in Westleigh), Ancient chapel ruins (unnamed) at Fenacre farm, and two chapels dedicated to St Thomas the Martyr and All Saints (site location unknown). When the Lime Kilns at Cracker Corner by Westleigh quarry, were built, an ancient burial site was uncovered which included a lot of ancient bones. Experts believe that the area at Cracker Corner may have been the burial ground of St Theobalds Church.

p1060369 — Cracker Corner – potential site of ancient burial ground

p1060281 — Fenacre Farm – potential site of Chapel ruins

The size of the original site of Canonsleigh Abbey will never truly be known, as fields have been given over to farming, roads run next to – possibly even through – the site, and quarry workings at Westleigh have encroached upon it. But what remains is a small reminder of an incredible Medieval past, dating all the way back to the Domesday book. It is a tantalising glimpse of a history of which so much is still unknown and yet, could possibly still be discovered one day.

Author note: Access to Canonsleigh Abbey is via public footpaths/fields. Some of these fields contain livestock (horses and sheep), so care should be taken, especially with closing gates. Dogs should be kept on leads. Whilst the Abbey is fascinating, it’s an ancient and ruinous building, sometimes there are stone falls, and climbing the ruins should be avoided. As an ancient/protected monument it should be treated with care. Please also note that part of the Abbey is on private property, and only accessible with landowner permission.

Article by Chrissie Parker, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Chrissie Parker.

Minnows Touring Park, Devon

August 30, 2018September 13, 2018 by welovemiddevon, posted in Caravans, conservation area, countryside, devon, exploring, Grand western canal, holidays, Leisure, Mid-Devon, Motorhome, Tiverton, Touring Park, Tourism, Travel, Visit Devon

P1060898

There are plenty of places for visitors to Mid Devon to stay, options include hotels, B&B’s or camping, the choice is endless, but nestled in the heart of Mid Devon is a favourite of both locals and visitors; Minnows Touring Park. It’s a well established, welcoming and friendly site that’s been running for decades, bringing both new and repeat visitors to stay. It’s situated close to both major road routes and the south west rail line, making it easy to get to. So, whether you want to visit Exmoor, the Blackdown Hills, the north Devon coast or local towns of Exeter, Honiton and Tiverton, Minnows is in the perfect location for south-west visitors to stay and explore the varied and exciting aspects of Devon.

Aerial view of Minnows Touring Park, Grand Western Canal and Devon countryside

Minnows Touring Park is set up for both Caravans and Motorhomes, and visitors have plenty of space not only for their accommodation on wheels, but for an extra car, a table and chairs, and there’s even space to hang out your laundry should you require it. The site has fifty-nine pitches across five and half landscaped acres, and there are plenty of amenities, including a toilet and shower block (inclusive of disabled facilities), a laundry room, washing up and vegetable preparation facilities, electricity and water, and disposal points.

P1060874 — Water and disposal facilities

If that isn’t enough there’s also a Main Reception and Information Centre, and a play area for children. Fourteen of the pitches also have fresh water connections, the site has 16 amp electricity connection and should it be required, butane, Camping Gaz, and Propane too. There is also a facility at Minnows for both winter and seasonal storage, and if you’re a pet lover they also accept dogs.

There is something quite unique about Minnows, whilst the M5 motorway and north Devon link road are nearby, it has a tranquil feel to it, making it seem like you are million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. In a natural enclave, surrounded by tall trees, the site sits next to the beautiful Grand Western Canal, a local conservation area, and the last canal to be built in the UK. This only adds to the unique location of the site, making it a special and relaxing place to stay.

P1060896 — Beautiful trees and hedges surrounding pitches

P1050972 — Holbrook Bridge on the Grand Western Canal, next to Minnows

The tranquility of the site surrounded by trees

There are lots of activities to do on the Grand Western Canal including walking, canoeing and fishing, and it is a favourite with many locals, as well as returning visitors. Minnows has direct gated access onto the canal with its own landing stage that visitors can use, as well as a nearby slipway, for boats and canoes. Permits are required for boats and fishing, but these are easily accessed at Main Reception. The Grand Western Canal is also a designated cycle route, and the nearest village of Sampford Peverell is only ten minutes walk along the towpath, where visitors can find plenty of other amenities including two pubs, cycle hire, a corner shop with post office facilities and a farm shop.

20150822_151250 — Canoeists and Landing stage

Minnows Touring Park is easy to find, situated not far from Junction 27 on the M5 signposted by brown tourism signs. All visitors need to do is take the A361 to Barnstaple, and leave at the first junction signposted to Sampford Peverell where signs will direct you. The site is also within walking distance of Tiverton Parkway station, which is on the main south-west railway, with train routes across the UK. Sampford Peverell also has well connected bus routes. Minnows Touring Park is open from March through to October each year, and can be booked directly by either phoning or emailing them. More information can be found on Minnows Touring Park website.

Aerial view of Minnows Touring Park and Grand Western Canal

For anyone who loves travelling and exploring new places in their caravan or motorhome, Minnows Touring Park is the perfect place to stay when visiting Devon. It’s in a beautiful location, run by a friendly and welcoming team, the amenities are excellent and there is so much to see and do that you’ll be spoiled for choice, and want to return year after year!

Have you stayed at Minnows Touring Park? If so what was your favourite thing about it?

Article by Chrissie Parker, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Chrissie Parker. Aerial images courtesy of Minnows Touring Park.