history

This part of Devon was occupied by the Saxons soon after 682 AD. It was then divided into vast estates, one of which included all land within the boundaries of the rivers Teign and Bovey, and Mor Tun was its major settlement. The present Parish, over 6000 acres, is the residue of that Ancient Crown Lordship. Domesday Book (1086 AD) shows that the Manor of Moreton, with some neighbouring manors, supported upwards of 5000 sheep. Wool and, in later years, the manufacture of woollen cloth formed the basis of the town's economy for over 700 years. The setting up of a water-powered fulling-mill before the end of the 13th century confirms that by then this economy was already firmly established.

In 1207 AD king John granted a weekly market and an annual 5-day fair. These very early grants establish that Morton had by then developed into an important local community. It grew steadily through the Middle Ages and was very prosperous until the end of the 17th century, when the wool industry began to decline. But the town continued to be a local trading centre and a vital watering place for travellers on the difficult routes across Dartmoor and from Exeter and Newton Abbot. A series of disastrous fires in the last century destroyed many of Moretonhampstead's ancient buildings, but sufficient still remains to demonstrate our Saxon and Mediaeval heritage, and the later industrial prosperity. Much of the town is designated a Conservation Area, with many "Listed Buildings" of architectural and historic interest and more soon to be listed. The whole Parish is within Dartmoor National Park.

THE SPARROWHAWK When King John granted the town its charter during the thirteenth century, the rent was set as one sparrowhawk per year. The bird has become something of a symbol for the Town and will be incorporated into works of public art under development by an artist in residence, Roger Dean.	First cast of the sparrowhawk relief by Roger Dean
THE PARISH CHURCH
Dating from about the year 1450, the Parish Church, dedicated to St Andrew, is of the perpendicular period of architecture. Situated on high ground adjoining the sentry, the Church makes a picturesque view and can be seen to advantage from the surrounding hills. Built of granite the fine embattled tower contains a clock. Though Cromwellian troops passed through the town the church does not appear to have suffered from vandalism like its neighbouring churches. Some good tracery may be seen in the windows of the aisles. The church at some time was badly restored and made bare, and a remarkably fine oak screen was turned out, but happily secured by the Earl of Devon of that time who gave it to Whitchurch, near Tavistock. The church was again restored and enlarged in 1901, through the generosity of the then patron, the last Viscount Hambleden. The gift of the living has since been presented to the bishop of the diocese. A handsome new screen together with an organ chamber and vestry were added to the East. A new organ was also added. The late Viscount Hambleden also built an imposing Rectory which occupies a site below the sentry but this is no longer used as such. Also a very fine carved oak Rood, the gift of the Hon. Mrs Seymour was given in the memory of her husband, who was for many years Churchwarden.
THE CROSS TREE The Cross Tree, immortalised by Blackmore in the well known book "Christowell" is now only represented by a cross minus its shaft, which is enclosed near the Alms Houses. This famous dancing tree, a fine old elm, cut and clipped in the form of a punch bowl (by which name it was also known), has long since disappeared, and in its place a beech tree has been planted. It was around the original tree that the village lads and lasses were wont to dance with "fantastic toe" and it recorded that French Officers on parole from Princetown Prison during the Napoleonic Wars, "did assemble around the Cross Tree with their Band".	The Cross Tree from early this Century
THE ALMS HOUSES Standing behind the Cross Tree are the famous Alms Houses, built in solid granite. The date of 1637 on the outside is actually the date they were refurbished. Recent research has shown that the main core of these buildings are at least two hundred years older. Early in the 19th century the building was converted from two tenements into four and the facade was damaged. By 1938 they had fallen into disrepair. In 1940 they were purchased for the Town and converted back into two tenements. In 1952 they were purchased by the National Trust.	The Alms Houses today.
The Alms Houses before 1938 when they were 4 tenements.
THE SENTRY Adjoining the churchyard and commanding some most interesting views of the locality, this park-like enclosure of about 7 acres provides rest and quiet in picturesque surroundings. A proportion of the Sentry has been used for many years as a playground for children and owing to its proximity to the church, it has been suggested that its name originated from "sanctuary".
BOWRING LIBRARY The Town has a public library situated in a building donated to Moreton by Thomas Bowring esq. This building is situated adjacent to the Square at the bottom of Fore Street and within the Library is a memorial tablet to commemorate the life of George Parker Bidder. Bidder was the son of a stonemason, a child prodigy in mathematics who later became a celebrated civil engineer and assistant to George Stevenson. He died in 1878 at the age of 72.	Bowring Library and old Buttermarket

The photographs of old Moreton on this site are taken from Memories of Moretonhampstead by George Friend, available for Ł9.95 from the Visitor Information Centre.

For more history of Moreton, visit Moretonhampstead History Society's website: www.moretonhampstead.org.uk - still under development but growing daily it promises to be a fascinating resource.