|
Town History
A Brief History
- From early occupation by Bronze Age tribes,
through Roman times to the present day, Colyton's fine river valley has
provided a perfect place to settle.
Powerful Families related to
the Kings of France came over with William the Conqueror and became Lords
of the Manor.
In the15th century, Colyton was the fourth richest
town in Devon having amassed wealth from agriculture and the wool
trade.
In 1539 Henry Courtney fell foul of Henry VIII and was
beheaded. His Colyton estates were confiscated. In 1549 a group of local
farmers and merchants marched to London and negotiated the return of the
lands to their safe keeping. Thus was born the Chamber of Feoffees which
became the first form of local government responsible for endless social
improvements. The Chamber has met almost continuously to this very day -
457 years!
Devon's Most Rebellious Town
-
Colyton had always be en independently minded and anti-papist. To find
out more about all of Colyton's history visit
www.colytonhistory.co.uk.
The Town
today - Located within a conservation area, Colyton's
interesting stone and thatch buildings create great character and
charm.
The street pattern is circular based on the
original Saxon settlement. Today you will discover a town with a
village atmosphere.
The shops are traditional, unique, and independently owned -this is no
boring high street.
Wander around the antique centre for a bargain. Track
down the hardware store, an Aladdin's cave. Try the award winning butcher,
gift shop, cycle shop, and shops for all the daily essentials. Find
the country's last remaining oak bark tannery and the nearby Garden
Shop.
When you need a break, sample the cream
teas, snacks, and light lunches. Welcoming hostelries serve real
ales.
|
