Stoke Canon

Stoke Canon
Devon
Stoke Canon Post Office
Location
Grid reference:	SX937979
Location:	50°46’18"N, 3°30’29"W
Data
Population:	660  (2011)
Local Government
Council:	East Devon

Stoke Canon is a small village near the meeting of the rivers Exe and Culm in the east of Devon. It is on the main A396 road between Exeter and Tiverton.

The 2001 census recorded a population of 660. The population was unchanged in 2011.

There is one pub in the village: The Stoke Canon Inn. There is a post office and general store in the centre of the village.

The church

Church of St Mary Magdalene

The Church (St. Mary Magdalene) was wholly rebuilt in 1836, except for the west tower, at the cost of £1000. The interior is neatly fitted up, and the tower has a clock and four bells. It contains a remarkable font of Norman date, made from a single block of lava, and a number of 17th-century floor slabs to local families.

It was here in 1666, at this 14th-century church, that George Boone III, grandfather of the famous American pioneer Daniel Boone, was baptized.

History

The manor was given by King Athelstan to Exeter Cathedral, and still belongs to the Dean and Chapter. A charter, still in existence, records the grant of land at Stoke Canon by King Cnut to the King's minister Hunewine in the year 1033.

In April, 1847, a hot cinder, blown from one of the railway engines, ignited the thatched roof of a row of cottages, and the fire spread till 24 dwellings, including the parsonage house, were destroyed.

In 1966 there was still a working water mill producing stone ground flour, and another one producing paper.

Despite being so close to the River Exe, the village had not been known to flood until at least 1967. Nevertheless it is nicknamed (by Exeter residents) "Stoke Canon where the floods are", and when the floods rise it used to stand out as an island.

The bridge

Stoke Canon Bridge, which stretches over two arms of the River Culm, was already built in the late 13th century. Bishop Walter de Stapledon left money in his will (1326) for its upkeep. It contains some old work but has been much widened to carry the main road.

The railway

A station opened to serve Stoke Canon in 1860 with staggered platforms. The up platform was north of the level crossing; the down platform was to the south.

On 1 May 1885 the Exe Valley branch was opened from a junction a little to the south of the station. This was relocated further south so that it could serve both lines from 1 July 1894. As with most stations on the Taunton to Exeter line, the platforms were moved apart in 1932 to accommodate new loop lines, and the branch was given its own side of the up platform so that trains could run on to the branch while a train stood in the up loop.

The site can still be recognised from passing trains. The station closed on 13 June 1960.

Outside links

("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Stoke Canon)