Little Torrington

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Little Torrington
Devon

St Giles Church, Little Torrington
Location
Grid reference: SS490168
Location: 50°55’52"N, 4°8’56"W
Data
Population: 376  (2011)
Post town: Torrington
Postcode: EX38
Local Government
Council: Torridge

Little Torrington is a little village in the north of Devon, a mile and a half south of Great Torrington, above a meander of the River Torridge, which runs down to the larger town and beyond. In 2001 the population of the parish Little Torrington was 420 and in 2011 it was 376, according to census data.

Churches

The parish chuch is the Church of St Giles.[1] It was built in the 15th century. In 1755 it was re-roofed in the Georgian style. It underwent a major restoration in 1852-8 by the then rector, the Rev George de C Guille. The church has stone rubble walls, rendered to the tower. It is built in the Perpendicular Gothic style. The Victorian restoration saw the chancel was enlarged and the north and south walls partly rebuilt. The tower was restored in 1898.[2]

The first vicar for the church was recorded in 1259, long before the current church of St Giles was built in the 15th Century.[3]

Also in the village is the Chapel of St Mary Magdalene.[4] It is a chapel of 13the century origins, probably remodelled in the 15th century, with a nave, west tower and north transept.

History

In the 1870s, Little Torrington was described as follows:

A bridge over the river Torridge, at Taddyport village, connects the parish with Great Torrington. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Exeter. Value, £397. Patrons, the Heirs of Lord Rolle and others. The church is ancient but good.[5]

Little Torrington along with Great Torrington had a significant role in the Civil War, specifically, the Battle of Torrington in 1646 which marked the end of Royalist resistance in the West Country.

Outside links

("Wikimedia Commons" has material
about Little Torrington)

References

  1. National Heritage List 1105026: Church of St Giles
  2. Allen, John. "Church of St Giles Little Torrington Church.". http://www.stmichaelstorrington.org.uk/little-torrington-church.html. Retrieved 20 March 2015. 
  3. "Little Torrington". http://www.tour-devon.com/little_torrington/little_torrington.html. Retrieved 29 January 2015. 
  4. National Heritage List 1147254: Chapel of St Mary Magdalene
  5. Wilson, John Marius (1870). Gazetteer of England and Wales. Edinburgh: A. Fullerton & Co.. http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/4335. Retrieved 26 January 2015.