South Molton is the historic regional centre where the beautiful Taw Valley and Exmoor meet. For centuries it has been renowned for its sheep Market, fairs and the related industries of weaving and cloth manufacturing.
Sadly the latter declined over the years and no longer exists. However, the town"s association with sheep is still much in evidence in the twice weekly Livestock markets and the Annual sheep Fair held in August.
The carved rams heads on the façade of the 18th century Guildhall bear silent witness to the traces that were the backbone of the town"s economy for so many years.
Now, the mode of commerce has changed and the town has become a thriving centre of the arts and antiques trades.
Part of the fine Guildhall Building houses the glass roofed pannier market where in the past farmers and traders sold their wares from panniers carried in from the countryside. Although tables have now replaced panniers it is still possible to purchase homemade cakes, bread, jams, locally produced cheeses, eggs and flowers.
Set in an area of outstanding beauty, South Molton is immersed in a blend of rural bustle and traditional tranquillity. Its facilities offer the tourist all in the way of supplies, whilst its spacious central areas are pleasant for the casual shopper or those who call by for refreshment. A relaxed town where the graceful facades of the mellow buildings look down on a happy, busy community. Much to see and take in — well worth a visit.
South Molton, a bustling market town with many shops selling local produce, which includes, perhaps a little unexpectedly, chocolate. The central square is overlooked by a splendid Guildhall, part of which houses the pannier market.
South Molton
South Molton is a small market town on the southern fringes of Exmoor trading sheep and cattle, wool and leather.
A place of some importance in 1086 - the Domesday Book lists the unusually large number of four priests - it grew up around the now tranquil churchyard, the original Town centre. As the wool trade declined in the 18" and 19l centuries so South Molton's role as a transport, administrative and service centre grew.
Coaching Inns and schools, Assembly Rooms and markets, doctors and auctioneers, printers and wheelwrights all flourished. Since the coming of the railway and the motor car, tourism is as important as farming.
South Molton
South Molton, a bustling market town with many shops
selling local produce, which includes, perhaps a little unexpectedly,
chocolate.
The central square is overlooked by a splendid Guildhall,
part of which houses the pannier market.
This is an old-fashioned town of some 4,500 people; there
is much history here, from the Saxon Churchyard to the Royal Market Charter
granted by Henry III.
The Square in South Molton - Copyright photo by Gordon Bray
www.northdevonlink.co.uk/south-molton.htm
The town is rich in traditional architecture including two fine churches. A town trail directs visitors to the main points of interest including the well-kept award-winning town museum. Today the town has a growing reputation for its antique shops, fine arts and crafts and its selection of local produce, particularly honey and luxurious chocolates both made within the town.
South Molton is an ancient town noted for its elegant Georgian buildings. It was granted Royal Charters in the 16th century and 17th century to hold both cattle and produce markets. At its largest in the 1850's with 5,000 people, nine malthouses and 34 licensed houses, South Molton was a flourishing woollen and coaching town. Despite the decline of both those activities, the town has retained it's charm and pride in it's history.
Both North and South Molton are situated on the River Mole, a tributary to the River Taw, with attractive wooded dells and footpaths.
Set between the hills of Exmoor and the pastureland of mid-Devon, South Molton is an ideal location for a market town.
It is well worth a visit and has many interesting features, such as the Town Hall where the museum is housed on the ground floor. This holds an excellent collection of pewter and a comprehensive history of mining on Exmoor.
The museum is open Mid-March to November except for Sundays and Mondays. Entry is free.
South Molton also has a covered pannier market and an elegant Old Market House with a fine view of the Square. The town has become well known as a centre for antiques and also for its annual sheep market, which takes place in August and dates back to 1357.
Quince Honey Farm, alleged to have the largest exhibition of working honeybees in the world, is open between Easter and October. There is a shop which is open throughout the year, which sells many interesting presents including honey, candles and other items made from beeswax. Tel (01769 572401)
It is well worth visiting the village of Chittlehampton to see the parish church. Nearby is St Urith's Well, dedicated to the Saxon Lady, 3ntn, wRo was slain by local heathens. The well is said to have sprung from the ground where she fell. She later was named St Hierithra and the church was named in her honour.
The Mill
More information about the history and location of many of the Holy Wells in Tarka Country can b'e found on the special Holy Wells Website: www.holywells.com
Also close to South Molton is the North Devon Farm Park, which is situated 2 miles from Barnstaple on the Landkey/Swimbridge road. There is free parking and the attractions include pony rides, tractor rides, shire horses, nature walks and a museum. Tel (01271 830255)
For anyone who enjoys natural history at close quarters then a visit to the Exmoor Bird Garden is an excellent choice. Situated on the B3226 midway between Blackmoor Gate and Bratton Fleming, it is open daily and extends over 12 acres and the displays include a large collection of tropical birds. Tel (01598 763352)
Tourist Information Centre01769 574122
markets: Thursday - Pannier & Cattle; Saturday - Pannier (summer only).
Places to visit: - Quince Honey Farm, Hancock's Devon Cider, South Molton Museum
South Molton Community website
http://www.visitsouthmolton.co.uk/
www.southmolton.org www.visitsouthmolton.co.uk
The official South Molton tourist association web site
www.northdevonlink.co.uk/south-molton.htm |
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