Morchard Bishop Village History

The Village History

The history of Morchard can be traced back to Celtic times and archaeological excavations have revealed an Iron Age settlement in the N West, while the farm Harestreet in the East testifies to its Saxon past. Quern stones and flint tools have been turned up in fields. Land was “enclosed” probably as early as the 1300s, creating many small farms (mainly dairy) and several hamlets. This lead to a class of landless labourers dependent on wages and seasonal work. The Parish has never been a “wealthy” one as records show, the most prosperous period was probably between 1650 to 1800 when there were yeoman farmers and weavers in the parish.

Economic Changes and Population Shifts

By the late 18th century, the collapse of the wool trade and a growing population led to increased Poor Relief. Many young children were apprenticed to farms as a result. By the mid-1850s, new road and rail developments—now the A377 and Tarka Line—diverted traffic away from the old Turnpike road through the village. The London Inn, a former coaching inn, stands as a reminder of this earlier route. With better transport links, more villagers were able to seek work further afield.

 

Historical Records and Notable Families

Morchard Bishop has one of Devon’s most complete sets of parish registers, dating back to 1660. Some families, such as the Easton, Rudge, and Shoebrooke families, can even be traced to the 1332 subsidy rolls. The names Rice, Cann, and Webber appear in the earliest registers, with descendants still living in the village today.

 

Medieval Farmhouses and Historic Homes

Several medieval farmhouses stand on sites once occupied by 12th-century taxpayers. Notable examples include:

  • Easton Barton (below – formerly owned by Jon de Esteneston)
  • Brownstone (Richard de Brounston)
  • Rudge (John atte Rigge), the oldest surviving house, built around 1380 with its original ridge roof still intact despite later alterations.

Other historic homes include:

  • Barton House, built in 1830 by the Churchill family and owned by them until Lord Portsmouth sold it in 1939.
  • Beech Hill (below) originally Elizabethan, restored in 1707, and rebuilt in 1896.

The Manor Estate and Thatched Cottages

After the Portsmouth estate was divided, many farms were purchased by tenants. The Manor Court rolls from 1790 mention plots of land rented for building homes, including the row of thatched cottages in Fore Street. Sold in 10 lots in 1908 as part of the Morchard Glebe, these cottages remain the longest continuous row of thatched cottages in Devon. While they once housed shops and tradespeople, they are now private homes. The final sale of Glebeland occurred in the 1960s when the rectory was demolished, and the land was redeveloped into Old Rectory Gardens.

 

Conservation and Community Life

While some new buildings exist, Church Street and Fore Street are designated conservation areas, preserving the village’s historic character. Morchard Bishop remains a lively and well-served community with:

  • A busy general store (Church Street Stores)
  • A thriving Village Hall (below), built in 1931 for ex-servicemen and local organizations
  • The London Inn, a popular pub hosting skittles, storytelling, and music nights

Sports and Recreation

The field next to Tatepath Farm has long been used for cricket and football. In the 1970s, a generous bequest enabled improvements, including a new clubhouse. Today, the Morchard Bishop Sports and Social Club offers football, a children’s play area, a bowling green, and an annual Vintage Rally each August.

 

A Historic Route Through Devon

Morchard Bishop, once crossed by a Harestreet (400–1066 AD) and later a Turnpike (until 1850), now sits proudly at the midpoint of the Two Moors Way, a long-distance footpath opened in 1976. This scenic route stretches across Devon, and from St Mary’s Church, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of both Exmoor and Dartmoor from this unique vantage point in mid-Devon.