Bradninch

Welcome to Bradninch

Bradninch is a historic town lying just off the B3181, approximately 3 miles southwest of Cullompton and Junction 28 of the M5 motorway. The town lies along the valley side of the River Culm, within the distinctive hummocky hills of the Devon Redlands. There are several possible derivations of the name Bradninch – amongst them are the Saxon ‘Bradeneche’ meaning ‘broad-ash’ and the Celtic ‘bre’ (brea) or ‘bryn’, meaning ‘by a hill or hillside’. Evidence of the Anglo-Saxon village it became in the 8th and 9th centuries is found in the street name ‘New Haven’ – ‘neuhaben’ being Saxon for ‘new home’.

Like many other Devon towns, the early fortunes of Bradninch were founded on the woollen trade.  This was gradually replaced by papermaking, and for 200 years this industry flourished at nearby Hele Paper Mills and at Kensham Mill.  With the paper mills developing in importance, the appearance of Bradninch began to change to more of a mill town.  Today it remains a busy community with shops, pubs and other local services.

Interesting Facts:

  • The Feudal barony and Bradninch Manor were returned to the Dukedom of Cornwall following the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660. Prince William, as the present Duke of Cornwall, remains the nominal Lord of the Manor of Bradninch, and the Duchy of Cornwall continues to own much of the land within the town.  A private residence now, the surviving Grade I Bradninch Manor House is situated on the north side of Parsonage Lane, to the immediate east of the town. It was built in 1553 by Peter Sainthill MP, Recorder of Bradninch and Deputy Steward to the Duke of Cornwall of the manor of Bradninch.
  • In the early 18th century a Quaker called George Boone emigrated to Pennsylvania America; his grandson was Daniel Boone famed for his role in the westward expansion of European settlers in North America. There is a plaque beside the churchyard gate, commemorating this connection between America and Bradninch. American descendants of Daniel Boone together with the Society of Boonesborough, Richmond, Kentucky have also placed a panel in the church, to acknowledge the link.
  • The Bradninch ‘eagle’ seal was given to the burgesses of the town in about 1120 by the illegitimate son of Henry 1, Arthur Reginald (Earl of Cornwall and Lord of Bradninch). The Bradninch eagle is a key icon to look for when walking around Bradninch. You will see roads and landmarks associated with the history of the town. For example, Sainthill was named after one of the knights who killed Beckett.
  • Bradninch, was one of the last towns in England to punish someone by placing them in the stocks. Cornelius Pippet, a cooper was convicted of drunkenness and placed in stocks for 6 hours on 2 November 1866. These stocks are part of the town’s historical memorabilia kept in the Guildhall.
  • King Charles I stayed in Bradninch once upon a time! The King stayed at the beloved Bradninch Manor in 1644 who was a dear friend of the owner at the time, local MP Peter Sainthill.

Places to see:

  • St Disen’s Church – The 15th-century church is dedicated to St Disen (a unique dedication in the British Isles) who is considered to have been an Irish missionary saint. The church possesses a finely decorated screen; in the panels at the screen’s base are nearly 50 paintings of various saints and biblical scenes. Another screen in the church is simpler, with panels of saints, including an unusual one of St Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata. In the parish church are monuments of the Sainthill family.
  • Charwell Wetlands – Bradninch’s own local Nature Reserve, for the benefit of local wildlife and plants. A short walk from the high street this is the perfect place for a short walk with breathe taking views over looking towards Killerton.
  • The Antique Village – a total antiques, vintage, retro and salvage destination. It has a large multi-dealer antiques centre, auction saleroom, architectural salvage site and the delightful Dovetail Café.

Things to do:

  • Bear Trail – Devon’s muddiest family assault course! An award-winning mud-fest of an attraction, this is a family-friendly mud run obstacle course set on a 10-acre site. Top tip: bring a towel and a change of clothes!
  • Bear Town – a multi award-winning indoor role play venue for children, suitable from 12 months up to and including 7 year olds. Carefully created to help develop both gross and fine motor skills in children of all ages.
  • Devon Laser Clays – Great fun for all the family and friends to enjoy! Based just outside of Bradninch town this activity is not one to miss if you want to try something different. This outdoor activity is perfect for a sunny day!
  • Footgolf Devon – The field of dreams! This course has 9 holes of fun for everyone, if you can kick a ball you can play footgolf! No experience required, turn up for some fun, friendly competition!
  • Quad World – Devon’s premier all-terrain off-road fun for all the family. They cater for all, from single rides, kids’ birthday parties to adult sessions. Their circuit is perfect for beginner’s right through to professionals.

 

Places to eat and drink:

  • Ye Olde White Lion Inn, a traditional village pub in the heart of Devon. Serving up tasty food and hot & cold drinks. Open for breakfasts, lunches, dinner and an almighty Sunday roast! They have a pub garden, perfect for those warmer summer days.
  • Castle Hotel, a local traditional pub serving a selection of hot and cold drinks.
  • Made Man Grill – café next to Quad World offering a range of food from breakfasts, lunches and dinners to eat-in or takeaway.
  • Merry Harriers – traditional countryside pub opposite Bear Trail offering a lunch and dinner menu as well as a delicious Sunday roast! They have a pub garden, perfect spot for some lunch in the sun.
  • Antiques Village Dovetail Café – situated at the Antiques Village this delightful café serves specialty coffees, cakes, paninis and much more.

Events

  • Bradninch Rocks – an annual event that happens every summer time bringing the communities and visitors together to enjoy a range of different artists and music across the town.
  • Twelfth Night – a traditional event that marks the end of the festive season. The community parade through the town, towards the cricket club with their lanterns and Christmas trees for the big bonfire.
  • Bradninch Town Fair –  an annual community fair that celebrates all that’s great about Bradninch! The town-wide celebration is fun for all the family, with tasty local food & drinks on offer, performances by talented locals, open-mic opportunities, stalls with cakes and crafts, and much more.

Walks

Nearby

Acknowledgement

Image courtesy of Ray Girvan / Bradninch from Castle Hill / CC BY-SA 2.0

Our thanks to Bradninch Town Council for contributing information for our site

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