Lapford
| Lapford | |
| Devon | |
|---|---|
 Lapford | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SS7308 |
| Location: | 50°52’0"N, 3°48’-0"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 993 (2001) |
| Post town: | Crediton |
| Postcode: | EX17 |
| Dialling code: | 01363 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Mid Devon |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
North Devon |
Lapford is a village in Devon, with a population of 993 at the 2001 census. The nearby Bury Barton is the site of a Roman fort, thought to be a large pre-Flavian fort that was succeeded by a smaller one that in turn was abandoned early in the Flavian period.
Lapford playing field has two play areas, a large area of grass including a football pitch and also a fenced playground with various play equipment such as swings, slides and roundabouts for children of all ages.
There is one pub in the village. "The Old Malt Scoop Inn", located in the village centre, is an old coaching inn dating back to the 16th century.
Local legends
The village is said to be haunted by the spirit of the former Vicar of Lapford's church, the St Thomas of Canterbury Church, John Radford.[1][2] He murdered his curate, in the 1860s, but was spared from the gallows by a jury consisting of many of his village parishioners and returned to his parish duties. His dying wish was to be buried in the church chancel, he made the ominous threat to haunt the village if his wishes were not carried out. The church authorities would not allow this, instead he was buried outside the vestry door where his grave can still be seen today. His spirit is said to still wander around the village.
Lapford is also said to be haunted by the spirit of the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett. On the anniversary of his murder he is said to gallop through the village on horseback on his way to confront Sir William de Tracey, of nearby Nymet Tracy, for his part in the brutal murder, or at least that is what they tell the tourists.
Outside links
 |
("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Lapford) |
- Lapford website includes a more detailed history.
- Tourist Information for the Lapford area
- Lapford in 18th / 19th cent. newspaper extracts – GENUKI
- Lapford in 1986 BBC Domesday project
References
- ↑ The Ghostly Vicar of Lapford
- ↑ [1] Lapford at Devon Hauntings, Mysterious Britain