CHAGFORD

CHAGFORD

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Chagford Square

Kings Arms Cottage lies at the very centre of this ancient moorland town situated on the eastern slopes of Dartmoor and its origins are lost in the mists of time. The name Chagford is of Saxon origin and means "Gorse Ford". The manor of "Chageford" is recorded in the Domesday Book as an agricultural community but soon afterwards the tin industry developed on Dartmoor and in 1305 a charter ordained that Chagford should be one of the Stannary Towns of Devon and more than 40% of Devon's tin production passed through Chagford. Mining finally ended in 1803 and at about that time the town became an important centre for the production of woollen goods with the opening of a large blanket factory which continued production for about 50 years.

St Michael's lies at the heart of the village. This lovely church was dedicated on July 30th, 1261. The present building is largely fifteenth century although the west window of the tower is thirteenth century. The tragic story of Mary Whiddon is commemorated here. Mary was shot on the steps of the church immediately following her marriage. An inscription on the sanctuary floor reads: "Reader wouldst know who here is laid, Behold a matron yet a maid. A modest look, a pious heart, A Mary for the better part. Dry thine eyes why wilt thou weep, Such maidens do not die but sleep." Could this tale have been in R D Blackmore's mind when he wrote "Lorna Doone"?
In this day and age the thriving little town of Chagford provides shopping facilities and services for the outlying farms and villages. It is a wonderful place for visitors to stay and to make their centre for exploring the wilds of Dartmoor and visiting the very many attractions of Devon. Residents and visitors alike never tire of Chagford's unique atmosphere.
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For the size of the town the quality of the shops is exceptional and this quality is exemplified by the complimentary delights of Webbers and Bowdens hardware stores. These shops are Aladdin's caves where you can find almost anything you want.

Chagford has always been popular with artists and writers and a number of well known artists live and work here. This local interest in the arts is reflected in the number of galleries and antique shops that have sprung up in recent years.

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There are four pubs in the town (all within about 200 yards of the cottage) and innumerable hostelries in the surrounding villages. They all serve good bar food. “No 22 Mill Street ” is a first class restaurant. For those who want something very special indeed, the famous Gidleigh Park Hotel is only a couple of miles outside the town. The Courtyard, just down the road from the cottage, specialises in organic and vegetarian food.

	The Globe Three Crowns
	Ring o' Bells Buller's Arms
	No 22 Mill Street Gidleigh Park
		Why not try a taster by looking at the hotel and checking the menu.

If you want to find out what is going on in Chagford try visiting the Chagford Parish web site.
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