Lapford: Village Church, Roman Heritage and Rolling Hills

Lapford lies among the gentle hills of Mid Devon, which slope down to the River Yeo valley. The parish church, Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, has Norman origins and was rebuilt in the 15th century. Bury Barton offers a Roman point of interest; in the village centre, Lapford Church Green and War Memorial are also designated as a local heritage asset. Building history, archaeology, landscape and local traditions offer different focal points for your stay.

The parish church and its building history

The Church of St Thomas of Canterbury has Norman origins and was rebuilt in the 15th century. Its well-preserved oak screen, with tracery, dates from the late 15th century and has eight bays. This means the wooden structure is divided into eight bays or sections. Several periods can be distinguished: its Norman origins, the 15th-century rebuilding and a screen from the later part of that century. Those interested in church architecture can explore both the building’s history and a specific example of late medieval woodwork. The screen makes the church a particularly distinctive subject, while its earlier building history broadens the perspective beyond a single feature.

Bury Barton and the landscape

Bury Barton is designated as a Scheduled Monument and includes a Roman fort and a Roman camp. The fort is considered the best-preserved in the entire South West region. The archaeological sites lie on a northeast-facing slope overlooking the River Yeo valley and Dalch Valley. The gentle hills of Mid Devon also shape Lapford’s landscape, sloping down to the River Yeo valley. The descriptions emphasise different aspects: at Bury Barton, the Roman sites, the hillside setting and the two named valleys take centre stage, while Lapford’s rolling hills describe the character of the landscape. You can therefore consider archaeological heritage and landscape as separate interests for your trip.

Church Green and local traditions

In the centre of the village, Lapford Church Green and War Memorial are designated as a local heritage asset. The annual Remembrance service takes place on the Green in November. At the Lapford Revel, the king and queen are traditionally crowned there in July. Thus, an annual commemoration and a traditional festive custom, each with its own timing, sit side by side. If you would like to plan your stay around an event, check the specific date in advance. The central Green and these two occasions offer an insight into local commemorative and festive traditions.

A walk and a train journey

The footpath uphill to Nymet Rowland offers views of Lapford, with the church clearly visible as the focal point of the village. This provides another perspective on the place: the path offers a view of Lapford as a whole, while the church stands out in the village scene. For travel, Lapford has a request stop on the Tarka Line, which offers scenic rail journeys between Exeter and Barnstaple. Take the request stop into account when planning and check the current timetable before travelling.

If you are looking for a hotel in Lapford, first decide which focus best suits your trip: the village church and its building history, Roman heritage and landscape, a walk with views of the village, or travelling by train.

Discover more destinations: Broadhempston, Dittisham, Bere Alston, Chudleigh, Little Torrington, Bovey Tracey, Bigbury-on-Sea, Chittlehampton

Return to the main travel overview: Devon.