Discover Jacobstow

Key themes in Jacobstow include medieval traces, church history, and walking paths with named landmarks. Penhallam Manor represents the history of a medieval manor house, while the church, bells, and wells offer further historical connections. There are also paths with landmarks such as Bury Court, Water Gate, and a listed bridge. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Jacobstow, these themes can help you choose what to explore based on your interests.

Penhallam Manor and its history

The low, grassy ruins of Penhallam Manor are the remains of a 13th-century manor house built by Andrew de Cardinham and surrounded by a moat. Penhallam Manor is one of the very few medieval moated sites in southwest England. The grounds of Penhallam Manor are now a peaceful nature reserve in a wooded valley. The focus differs in each case: Penhallam Manor is defined by its design, builder, and setting; the church and wells bring in dedication, bellfounding, and the course of the stream.

Church, bells, and wells

Jacobstow parish church is dedicated to St James. Its six church bells were cast on site in 1769, in the grounds of the old rectory. The casting links a specific year with a particular place in local church history. The Holy Well of St James dates back to medieval times, though it was probably rebuilt. St James Well lies in a hollow at the source of a stream that flows past Jacobstow parish church. Alongside church history, the shape of the landscape and the course of the stream also stand out as landmarks.

Walking paths and landmarks

Footpath FP 1 passes Bury Court and crosses Jacobstow’s only listed bridge.

Footpath FP 6 runs a few metres up Witchy Pool Lane, then crosses a field and ends at the A39. To visit the Holy Well of St James, continue up the lane.

From the church, the first lane, School Lane, runs east to Water Gate. If possible, you can take the old hollow-way route or follow the hedge along a permitted path to Blagdon.

From Witheven Lane, the path crosses a field via a pasture stile and leads to a packhorse bridge. The difference in route choice is clear: FP 1 crosses a listed bridge; FP 6 ends at the A39, while Witchy Pool Lane continues to the Holy Well.

Local produce

Wainhouse Country Store sells local cheese and cream, fresh bread and cakes, as well as freshly baked Barnecutts pasties. If you would like to base your choice of where to visit not only on historical sites and walking paths but also on local produce, the store is a useful landmark.

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