Chudleigh. Transcribed from - Pigot & Co.'s Directory of Devonshire 1830-31. Please notify me of any errors. Contact.
Is a neat, small market-town and parish, in the hundred of Exminster; 180 miles from London, nine from Exeter, ten from Ashburton, and six from Newton Bushel. The bishops of Exeter formaly had a palace here, of which there are still some remains; and in Ugbrook park (the beautiful seat of Lord Clifford) are the vestiges of a Roman encampment. The celebrated 'Chudleigh rock,' about half a mile from the town, is worthy of a visit; in it is a large and curious cavern; and in the valley at the foot of the rock is a small cataract, which imparts to it a pleasing and picturesque appearance. The woollen trade, at one period, was carried on here extensively; at present there is but one small factory. There are some pottery-works here, and a considerable tanning business belonging to Mr. Berry. About four miles hence are some manganese mines, also one of lead; and recently has been dicovered, at Haytor, near the granite quarries, an iron mine. The government of Chudleigh is vested in a portrieve and constables, elected at the court leet and baron, held annually, under Lord Clifford, the lord of the manor. This town was nearly destroyed by fire, on the 22nd May, 1807; the church with a few houses, is all that is now to be seen of the old town of Chudleigh. The church is a handsome building of stone, dedicated to St. Martin; the living is a vicarage; the benefice is in the gift of the parish, and the great tithes belong to Lord Clifford; the present vicar is the Rev. Gilbert Burrington. The methodists and the Roman catholics have each a chapel, and there is an endowed grammar-school for the children of Chudleigh. The land round the town is generally good, and the parish is famous for the valuable orchards which it contains. The market-day is Saturday; and the fairs are, Tuesday in Easter-week, June 22, and Oct.2. The population of the parish, in 1821, was 2,053. POST OFFICE, Susan Rose, Post Mistress.-- Letters from LONDON, &c. arrive every afternoon at four, and are despatched every morning at ten. -- Letters from BRISTOL, BATH, and EXETER, arrive every morning at eight, and are despatched every evening at ten. -- Letters to NEWTON ABBOTT are forwarded, by horse-post, on the arrival of the mails.
Carriers. To LONDON, EXETER, PLYMOUTH and DEVONPORT, Russell & Co.'s Waggons pass through every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. To EXETER, William Tuckett's Cart daily - and - Kingwell, every Monday and Thursday.
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