Morebath: Village History and Historic Buildings

If you are considering local history, historic buildings and walking routes when choosing a destination, Morebath offers tangible points of interest. Shuttern Brook helps explain the village’s name; St George’s Church and other buildings represent different architectural styles and periods. Public rights of way, a yoga class and bus connections may also be relevant to your plans.

Landscape and the Village Name

The name Morebath refers to the basin known as “moory”, which Shuttern Brook created as it flows through the village. The village’s name and the brook are thus directly linked to a particular landform. Over the centuries, Morebath remained essentially a sheep-farming community. Together, the basin and the long tradition of sheep farming give the village a rural historical character. Morebath can therefore be understood both through the landscape that gave it its name and through its agricultural tradition.

Historic Routes and Walks

The road from Lodfin Farm to Exebridge is described as a very old route from Wellington to Dulverton. Another historically described route passes through Morebath towards Bury and continues to the north coast of Devon. The two route descriptions therefore point in different directions: one mentions Wellington and Dulverton, the other Bury and the north coast of Devon.

There are also several public rights of way in the parish of Morebath for walking. This information should be distinguished from the historic route descriptions. If you plan to explore on foot, follow the public rights of way and check access and path conditions before setting out.

Church and Historic Buildings

St George’s Church in Morebath has a tower that may date from the 13th century and a north aisle dating from the 15th century. The north aisle contains a late medieval wagon roof with moulded ribs and carved foliage bosses. The church thus offers both a sense of the periods to which its features belong and a specific architectural detail.

Morebath Manor adds to this picture of the village’s architectural history: the country house is Grade II listed and was built between 1892 and 1894. The toll-house has an octagonal footprint and stands in the centre of a crossroads. The features are quite distinct: the Manor is defined by its listing and construction dates, while the toll-house is notable for its shape and position at the crossroads.

Yoga Class and Getting There

A yoga class takes place at Morebath Village Hall on the first and third Monday of each month, from 10:15 am to 12:00 pm. It welcomes participants of all ability levels, including beginners. The first class is free for anyone new to the class. If you would like to include the class in your travel plans, check the date and attendance information before you travel.

Dartline route 398 passes through Morebath and connects Tiverton, Bampton, Dulverton and Minehead. Check the current timetable before travelling. Morebath can also use a community Ring and Ride bus service, which can be reached on 01884 242099. You should also check the contact details and availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ashwater, Lynmouth, Uplyme, Stoke Gabriel, Martinhoe, Shirwell, Drewsteignton, Spreyton.

For the wider travel guide: Devon.