Dalwood – a very short history of an East Devon Village

(with acknowledgement to G M Chapman)

Dalwood’s origins are lost in the mists of time..

It was not mentioned in the Domesday Book and its first recorded reference is in a Pipe Roll of 1195. It lies within the Blackdown Hills (in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), in a valley of the Corry Brook and about three miles from its nearest town, Axminster. It is not a large village, with a quite widely dispersed population of under 500.

Devon, including Dalwood, was originally part of Wessex and most of the east of the county was probably part of a royal hunting ground. When the Saxon kings of Wessex divided Dorset into six groups, one of the groups, Fordington, included Dalwood and it remained thus until 1844 when Dalwood was transferred back to Devon.

Around 1209, King John granted the manor of Dalwood to Robert de Chantemerle and, in 1345, he was granted the right to hold an annual Fair by Edward III (a copy of the original royal charter can be found in the church). The manorial system continued in place until the last Lord of the Manor, Lord King, finally divested himself of all his manorial rights after the Enclosure act of 1834 and Dalwood’s ownership by the Kings of England for over a thousand years finally came to an end.

Like the village itself, the origins of St Peter’s church in Dalwood is something of a mystery. Did it have a Celtic past? Could it have originally been known as St Petroc’s? Many of the original records were probably lost in fires at Milford Abbey (1309) and Blandford deanery (1793) and all that is known for certain is that its architectural style conforms to the early 15th century Perpendicular style. It was restored in 1881.

Apart from the church, the oldest buildings in Dalwood are probably some of the farms: Brays and Bramblecombe are mentioned in an inquiry of 1350. In addition, reconstruction work revealed that the Tuckers Arms (the last of at least seven former drinking establishments) has old cob walls and medieval lath and plaster work. The oldest houses include Old Larkshayes and Rivendell, both originating in the early 16th century.

In terms of industry, the area was, of course, predominantly agricultural but other notable industries in its history have included two fulling (cloth) mills, soap making, a rope factory, tanneries and a malt and corn mill. In addition, mid-19th century censuses include occupations such as shoe-makers, a glue maker, a cooper, lace makers and 22 dress makers (as well as eleven paupers).

Notable buildings

Loughwood Baptist Chapel - around 1650
Methodist Chapel – 1888
Dalwood bridge (the original one!) – 1927
Admiralty Signal Station (Telegraph Cottage) – 1805
Village School (now the Village Hall since 1926 when new school built) - 1833