English Heritage sites near Silverton Parish
BLACKBURY CAMP
16 miles from Silverton Parish
An Iron Age hillfort in Devon with impressive ramparts, now surrounded by woodland.
HOUND TOR DESERTED MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
21 miles from Silverton Parish
The remains of four 13th century stone farmsteads, on land originally farmed in the Bronze Age. This isolated Dartmoor hamlet was probably abandoned in the early 15th century.
GRIMSPOUND
22 miles from Silverton Parish
The best known of many Dartmoor prehistoric settlements, Grimspound dates from the late Bronze Age. The remains of 24 stone houses survive within a massive boundary wall.
CLEEVE ABBEY
23 miles from Silverton Parish
With possibly the finest cloister buildings in England, visitors can get a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago. 15th century refectory with glorious angel roof and 13th century heraldic tiles.
OKEHAMPTON CASTLE
24 miles from Silverton Parish
Once the largest castle in Devon, nestling in the foothills of Dartmoor. Reputedly haunted and mentioned in the Domesday Book.
DUNSTER GALLOX BRIDGE
25 miles from Silverton Parish
This ancient stone bridge - originally 'gallows bridge' - once carried packhorses bringing fleeces to Dunster market and is evidence of Dunster's once important role in the wool trade.
Churches in Silverton Parish
St Mary the Virgin, Silverton
Church Road
Silverton
EXETER
(01392) 860560
The village of Silverton (pop: 1875) lies tucked under a ridge of hills midway between Exeter and Tiverton. Barely visible from the Exe valley, the tower of the Parish Church becomes a landmark on approaching the village. The present church, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, dates from around 1450 with later alterations. This listed building provides a large, well lit space of quietness and tranquillity in which regular services are held each week. Villagers and visitors are welcomed to participate or reflect within this ancient place of worship.
Silverton is one of four local parishes within a United Benefice, the others being Bickleigh, Butterleigh and Cadeleigh.
The village is believed to have Saxon origins being settled around 700AD. Its first church was probably built on high ground to the west of the present building. The list of Rectors dates from 1272.
Silverton was a Royal Manor, the property passing from Edward the Confessor to the Normans in 1066. It was held by English Kings until Edward 111 1327-77 gave it to a favourite, John de Beauchamp. His sister, Cecily Turberville, inherited and sold the Manor to Sir John Wadham, MP for Exeter in 1399, from whom it passed to the Wyndhams of Silverton Park and Blackborough. The right to appoint the incumbent is now vested in the Bishop of Exeter with Sir Rivers Carew.
The Church had a Rood Screen across the nave and aisles, a fragment of which is built into a par-close at the front of St Anne's Chapel. The mid 17thC gallery spanning the back of the Church records some of the charitable benefactions made since 1616. It now houses the organ, built by J W Walker & Sons in 1880.
The tower contains 8 bells, having had four in 1553, and the last two were added in 1937 in time to be rung for the coronation of King George VI.
Pubs in Silverton Parish
Lamb Inn
Fore Street, Silverton, EX5 4HZ
(01392) 860272
thelambinnsilverton.co.uk
Ruffwell Inn
Exeter Road, Thorverton, EX5 5NB
(01392) 860377
theruffwellinn.co.uk
Silverton Inn
5 Fore Street, Silverton, EX5 4HP
(01392) 860196
thesilvertoninn.com
Silverton Royal British Legion Social Club
Silverton Royal British Legion Social Club, Clyst St Mary
Three Tuns Inn
Three Tuns Inn, Silverton