Yarcombe: Churches, History and Landscape

Yarcombe combines the history of church architecture with historical traces in the landscape and local traditions. For travellers interested in the history of a place, clues here range from churches dating back several centuries to medieval earthworks. The landscape is also tangible: from the A30 near Yarcombe, there are views across the Yarty Valley, and an official cycle route passes through Yarcombe.

Churches and Architectural History

The Church of St John the Baptist dates mainly from the 15th century; its latest phase of construction may date from the early 16th century. The church was restored and the chancel rebuilt in 1889–91. Its floor plan is cruciform. It has north and south aisles, a west tower and a south porch. This makes it possible to connect the building’s history to specific features: the dating provides a timeframe, while the floor plan and building elements describe the architecture.

Another point of reference in time is Yarcombe Baptist Church. It is dated to 1829 and was renovated in the late 19th century. In contrast to the predominantly medieval architectural history of the Church of St John the Baptist, the focus here is on a 19th-century building. The two churches thus offer different points of reference for understanding Yarcombe’s local architectural history.

Historical Traces in the Village and Landscape

The Yarcombe Inn also has a historical role as an inn for travellers. It stood on the site of the former church house and was originally built as accommodation for visiting monks from Otterton Priory. This former use is a distinct part of the village’s history; it describes the Inn as a historical site, not as a present-day accommodation option.

Remains of a medieval field system are visible on a west-facing slope southeast of Northams Farm in Yarcombe. The earthwork banks and ditches are traces of the terrain that belong to this former field system. This evidence adds a different perspective to the architectural history of the churches: here, the focus is on the use and division of the landscape, not on a building.

The Parish of Yarcombe lies within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From the A30 near Yarcombe, views extend south across the Yarty Valley. This provides two distinct landscape references: the location within the Blackdown Hills and a specific view across the valley.

Local Traditions and Cycle Route

Local traditions in Yarcombe include pig and terrier racing, barrel rolling and throwing metal balls. If you plan to travel specifically for an event, check the dates in advance.

The official Churchinford–Yarcombe–Stockland–Upottery cycle route takes cyclists to Yarcombe on Section 8. Particular care is required when crossing the A30 there. As road conditions can change, check the latest route information before setting off. This specific guidance can be factored into your plans without mixing it up with the village’s historical and landscape-related themes.

Discover more destinations: Honiton, Exmouth, Hemyock, Buckfastleigh, Branscombe, Wotter, Kingskerswell, Horrabridge.

For the wider travel overview: Devon.