Woolfardisworthy: Building History and Routes

Woolfardisworthy can be considered for trip planning through its building history, routes and landscape. The historic buildings highlight both changes in church history and specific architectural features. The route descriptions take different approaches: they describe either the route itself or the landscape and rural life.

Church History and Architecture

All Hallows was originally a chapel dependent on the parish of Hartland and became independent during the Reformation. It was formerly known as Holy Trinity; in the 1920s it was given the name All Hallows. Its history thus reflects both a change in ecclesiastical affiliation and a later change of name.

The architectural features also provide specific points of reference. The north arcade has seven-foot-high granite columns, which were probably brought from Lundy. An arcade is a series of arches; here, the columns offer clues about height, material and a place of origin that is only presumed. The remains of Norman masonry survive in the south transept, which forms the Lady Chapel. The original altar is also located there. A transept is the side arm of a church building; here, it also forms the Lady Chapel.

Woolsery Chapel was built in 1857 and retains the original wood panelling around the pulpit. The year it was built and its preserved fittings are two different points of reference for its architectural history. A pulpit is the raised place in a church from which someone speaks. The wood panelling around it is a specific feature that distinguishes the chapel from the columns and masonry remains described above.

Routes and Landscape

The West Town route begins at the school and initially heads towards Meddon. From Cross Park, it follows a bridleway; later, it heads towards West Town. The route description thus makes the sequence of directions and the change to the bridleway section clear. As route conditions can vary, it is best to check them before setting out.

The circular walk from Kennerleigh to Woolfardisworthy passes through the landscape of Mid Devon and offers lovely views and glimpses of rural life along the way. Compared with the West Town route, the emphasis here is on the landscape and views; the West Town route, by contrast, is described in terms of its specific course and bridleway section. This makes it possible to distinguish the two routes by the features highlighted in each description.

Buck's Mills: Parish Boundary and Mill History

In nearby Buck's Mills, the stream marks the boundary between Woolfardisworthy Parish to the west and Parkham Parish to the east. A corn mill is located halfway up the road. Other mills, powered by the waterfall on the coast, were washed away by coastal erosion. The history of the mills thus includes both a mill by the road and the loss of other facilities through erosion.

The area by the coast path is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is particularly known for its rare lichens. Alongside the history of the mills, the area's special importance for rare lichens is also a topic.

Discover more destinations: Ilfracombe, Totnes, Little Torrington, Dalwood, Winkleigh, Wick, Broadwoodwidger, Payhembury.

For the main travel overview: Devon.