Merton - DEV ENG

OS Grid Reference: 50°54'N 4°06'W

Name Origin: Old English mere tun homestead or village by a lake.

LAND OF THE BISHOP OF COUTANCES

The Bishop himself holds MERTONE. Before 1066 it paid tax for 2½ virgates of land and ½ furlong. Land for 10 ploughs. In lordship 3 ploughs; [½ virgate and ½ furlong. Exon] 12 villagers and 8 smallholders with 6 ploughs [and ½ hide. Exon]. 9 pigmen who pay 25 pigs; 3 slaves. Meadow, 15 acres; pasture, 30 acres; woodland, 60 acres. [1 cob; 12 cattle; 9 pigs; 50 sheep Exon] Formerly £6; value now £8.
Thorkell held it before 1066.

A Topographical Dictionary of England, Samuel Lewis, 1831:

MERTON, a parish in the hundred of SHEBBEAR, county of DEVON, 5¾ miles (N. by W.) from Hatherleigh, containing 697 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry of Barnstaple, and diocese of Exeter, rated in the kings's books at £20. 15. 7½, Lord Clinton was patron in 1794. The church is dedicated to All Saints. Potheridge house, once the residence of the celebrated General Monk, who rebuilt it, was a noble structure, with a chapel attached, and some magnificent stables, which yet remain; the mansion is now occupied as a farm-house. Pipe and potters' clay exists in this parish.

The Comprehensive Gazetteer of England and Wales, ed J.H.F.Brabner, 1895:

Merton, a village and a parish in Devonshire. The village stands on the river Meer, an affluent of the Tofridge. 5 miles NNW of Hatherleigh, and 7 from Great Torrington station on the L. & S.W.R.,is a pleasant place with picturesque environs, and has a post and money order office under Bea-ford; telegraph office, Hatherleigh. The parish contains also the hamlets of Potheridge and Smithacott. Acreage, 4089; population, 568. The manor of Merton belonged to a family of its own name from the time of Henry II. till that of Edward III., and belongs now to Lord Clinton. The manor of Potheridge belongs to the Rolle family. Potheridge House was long the seat of the Le Moignes, became the birthplace and the property of General Monk, was rebuilt by him after he became Duke of Albemarle, was taken down in the 18th century, and is now represented chiefly by its stables. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Exeter; value, £300 with residence. Patron, Lord Clinton. The church is a handsome building, with a tower, and has been restored. There are a Bible Christian chapel and an industrial home for girls.

Associated Families: Broad Nott Risdon Shaxon

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