Morchard Bishop

Welcome to Morchard Bishop

Morchard Bishop is situated in the heart of Devon between Dartmoor and Exmoor, almost midway between the north and south coasts. It is surrounded by unspoilt hilly farmland comprised of a multitude of fields separated by ancient Devon banks.

Like many local villages, Morchard has a rich architectural history reflecting the economic and social changes experienced since medieval times. The earliest surviving building in the parish is believed to be Rudge, situated in the south west of the parish. Despite appearing to be a fine C19th house, Rudge actually dates to around 1380.

Interesting Facts

  • With over 60 footpaths and bridleways, Morchard Bishop has one the highest number of public footpaths of any Parish in Devon (maybe even the West Country). The walks available are very varied in length, difficulty and vistas. A full map and local sketched route guides for 10 walks are available under the Footpaths and Maps at https://www.morchardbishop-pc.org.uk/walking-maps/
  • Morchard Bishop is the mid-way point for the Two Moors Way
  • The name Morchard means the great wood or forest from the Celtic:  mǭr cę̃d, Modern Welsh: mawr coed. The affix of ‘Bishop’ is from its possession by the Bishop of Exeter in 1086.
  • The parish is proud that it has the longest row of terraced cottages in England as well as many buildings that were built in the 14th and 15th centuries.
  • Former Foreign Secretary (1945 – 1951) and Lord Privy Seal Ernest Bevin once lived in Morchard Bishop.

Things to See and Do

  • Morchard Bishop is a great place to stay and explore the wider parts of Devon. The Parish Council have created a list of things to do within 45mins of the village https://www.morchardbishop-pc.org.uk/places-of-interest/
  • The 16th century Parish Church of St Mary features a 95 foot tower.
  • Two walks have been plotted for you to visit in the walking section of the website. Morchard Bishop 1 and Morchard Bishop 2

Places to Eat

  • The Village benefits from having its own pub and restaurant – The London Inn providing excellent home cooked meals with portion sizes that will leave you needing a walk. There is also a shop and café.
  • The nearby Devonshire Dumpling on Morchard Rd, is widely known for its good food and friendly family atmosphere with a small children’s playground.
  • Just 3 miles out is Black Dog Inn, named after the ghostly black dog said to haunt the lanes, this is a small and cosy local with regular quiz nights, occasional live music and home-cooked food.

What’s On in Morchard Bishop?

The parish has an active community with many regular and special events throughout the year at its pubs, churches and attractions.  Some of particular note include:

  • There is a flower festival held in June.

NEARBY

Acknowledgements:

Image courtesy of Martin Bodman / Morchard Bishop: St Mary’s church / CC BY-SA 2.0

Thank you to Morchard Bishop Parish Council for providing information.

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