Halberton village is divided into two parts, Higher Town and Lower Town, seperated by the mill stream and pond. The pond is fed by warm springs and never freezes.

The Great Western railway once had a branch line running through Halberton to Tiverton, but this has now gone. However, the Grand Western Canal still runs through the village and this is now a country park. It is 11 miles long running from Tiverton to Loudwells.

There are several old houses in the village, the most notable being ‘The Priory’, believed to date from the 14^th century, when it was part of a college called St. Jude’s. This was occupied by monks of the order of St. Augustine. Townsend House dates from the early 18^th century, and several other houses in the village date from the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

The parish church dates from the 14^th century and stands at the centre of the village. It is thought to have been constructed on the site of an earlier Saxon church. There is also a Methodist Chapel at which John Wesley preached, first in 1760, and again between 1779 and 1789. Halberton also has a Christian Fellowship Group, which meets in Ash Thomas Church.

The Primary School, erected in 1844 has seen many changes and extensions over the years, and although still small is well equipped with modern equipment.

There is an active Parish Council, and many other organisations which cater for all tastes, including a Women’s Institute and a branch of the British Legion.

EILEEN VOCE

www.halberton.org

[devontowns]