Shaugh Prior

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Shaugh Prior
Devon

Shaugh Bridge, near the village
Location
Grid reference: SX542630
Location: 50°26’58"N, 4°3’16"W
Data
Population: 751  (2001)
Post town: Plymouth
Postcode: PL7
Dialling code: 01752
Local Government
Council: South Hams
Website: shaughpriorparish.gov.uk

Shaugh Prior is a village on the south-western side of Dartmoor in Devon. It is about eight miles north-east of the historic centre of the city of Plymouth. In 2001 the parish population was 751.[1]

The parish stretches from the edge of Plymouth to the high moorland of Dartmoor. The River Plym forms its western and northern boundaries up to the river's source at Plym Head. The higher parts of the parish are rich in Bronze Age monuments such as cists and cairns, and there is much evidence of tin mining. The area of Lee Moor that has been much mined for china clay is within the parish, but outside the Dartmoor National Park.[1]

Name

The name 'Shaugh' derives from the Old English sceaga, meaning 'copse', while the suffix 'Prior' reflects that the manor belonged to Plympton Priory.[2]

Church

The parish church in Shaugh Prior is St Edward's, which is a Grade I listed building.[3]

The church has its origins in the 11th century, but the present building with its prominent granite tower, dates from the 15th century.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Harris, Helen (2004). A Handbook of Devon Parishes. Tiverton: Halsgrove. p. 147. ISBN 1-84114-314-6. 
  2. Gover, J. E. B. & Mawer, A. & Stenton, F.M.: 'Place-Names of Devon , Part 1' (English Place-Names Society, 1931), page 258
  3. National Heritage List 1162816: Church of St Edward