Moretonhampstead hotels and self catering cottage accommodation in Moretonhampstead - Devon-Stay Moretonhampstead Tourist Information

Devon » Moretonhampstead accommodation

The largest Saxon settlement between the Teign and Bovey rivers, Moretonhampstead, once known as Mor Tun, held around 5,000 sheep by the 11th century, and sustained itself mainly on the commerce of wool up until the 18th century.

King John, in 1207, approved the annual fair and weekly market, setting the rent at one sparrow hawk each year. Thus, the hawk has become a symbol for Moretonhampstead. In the late 17th century, the wool trade began to fade, and the town's key position on the road from Exeter, across Dartmoor, proved to be priceless. A number of fires in the last hundred years have devastated many of the oldest buildings, making the remaining ones a specially protected area for conservation purposes.

Unlike other town's churches, the 15th century church of St Andrew, made of granite, was never vandalized by the passing troops of Cromwell. It's since been restored, enlarged and improved. Close to the Almshouses lies the Cross Tree, made of an old elm, shaped as a cross without a shaft, which the children used to dance around. R. D. Blackmore popularized it in his book "Christowell". The Almshouses themselves are property of the National Trust and were last renewed in 1637, but parts of them are hundreds of years older.

An unusual number of art galleries, studios and artists of varying styles can be found in Moretonhampstead. One of the newer galleries is located in an reputely Lutyens designed building, formerly belonging to the NatWest bank. The local forge and Dartmoor’s nearby Miniature Pony and Animal Farm are also of interest.