Morchard Bishop nestles comfortably in the very heartland of Devon, midway between the north and south coast and sitting between the two great moors, Dartmoor and Exmoor.

This is hilly, unspoilt countryside, with magnificent views around every bend of our narrow lanes, yet within reasonable travelling distance of Crediton, Tiverton and the City of Exeter, with its cathedral and university.

A drawing of the famous Morchard Thatch

Morchard Bishop is one of the largest parishes in the county, with a population of just under 1,000 and a mixture of all age groups.

Our village overlooks hundreds of small fields bordered by a network of ancient Devon banks that have mercifully escaped the bulldozer and the fate of arable farmland in eastern England.

These banks have traditionally suited the dairy, beef and sheep industry that, despite having been modernised over the last 50 years, still retains many ancient cob, stone and thatched buildings.

The parish is proud that it has the longest row of terraced thatched cottages in England, and many buildings that were built in the l4th and 15th centuries.

It is also very proud of the strong sense of community spirit that thrives here, which centres on the recently refurbished Memorial Hall, which is undoubtedly one of the best in the area.

The 16th Century Church of St Marys

The 95-foot tower of 16th century Church of St. Marys, which is 173 metres above sea level, dominates the surrounding countryside and with the Emmanuel Methodist Church provides the spiritual centre of the area.

St Mary's School provides good primary education for not only local children but also those from the nearby villages of Black Dog and Puddington.

A mark of the schools success can be measures by the fact that it has been necessary to add a 5th classroom and a new library recently.

Continue your tour of Morchard Bishop