The history of Offwell is closely bound to the Copleston family, who were rectors of Offwell from 1773 to1954 and their imprint on the village can be widely seen. Edward Copleston (later Bishop of Llandaff and Dean of St. Paul’s) built the village school in 1840, which is one of the oldest in the West Country.
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He is also responsible for the building of various other significant buildings including Offwell House, The Old Rectory, The Bishop’s Tower, The Vestry and the stone cover and pump for the well, known as Offa’s Well, which stands in the middle of the village and from which the village takes its name.

Local residents, Frank and Carol Hayes have compiled some historical resources which can be viewed here LINK.