Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Crediton has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Crediton.
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Sights in Crediton
Crediton is a town in Devon, England. It is the seat of the Mid Devon district. The town is situated on the river Creedy, about 10 miles (16 km) north of Exeter. The town has a population of 6,837 (2011 census).
The town centre is just off the A377, which leads to Exeter. To the west of the town is the River Creedy, and beyond that, open countryside. There are several green spaces within the town, including a number of parks.
The town has a number of historic buildings, including the Church of St Mary the Virgin, which dates from the 13th century, and the listed market Cross. Also of interest is the Chantry House, which was built in 1482 and is now used as a museum.
The town has a good selection of shops, and a weekly market is held in the High Street. There are also a number of pubs and restaurants.
For leisure and entertainment, there is a leisure centre with swimming pool, and a cinema. There are also a number of social clubs and organisations.
Crediton is twinned with the town of Laval in France.
History of Crediton
Christianity arrived in Crediton in the 7th century, as evidenced by the Crediton Cross, an early symbol of the faith. In 861 King Ethelwulf granted lands in Crediton to the Bishop of Winchester, leading to the establishment of a minster church and, later, a cathedral.
Crediton was the birthplace of Saint Boniface in the year 680, who became the “Apostle to the Germans”. Consequently, the town’s name is sometimes recorded as “Crediton Dunsford”.
Crediton grew significantly in the 9th century owing to its strategic position on the main routes through Devon, and soon became an important market town. The town’s market charter dates from 910, making it one of the earliest in England.
Importantly, Crediton was the site of a mint during the AngloSaxon era, producing coins known as pennies. These coins were similar in size and weight to the modern British penny.
Crediton was the seat of the bishop of Devon until 1050, when a new see was created for the bishop at Exeter.
In 1027, Leofric, Earl of Mercia founded a college for secular clergy in Crediton, which reduced the workload of the Cathedral priests. The present church of St Mary the Virgin is built on the site of Leofric’s original college church, and today contains many fine late medieval and Victorian features.
Early in the 12th century, a Norman archbishop, Baldwin, rebuilt the cathedral, which had been burnt out by fire in 1087. Baldwin also built a palace, unique in England at that time, within the town walls.
The palace was destroyed by Danish invaders in 1003, but rebuilt in stone by Bishop Bronescombe in the early 13th century. Since then, the building has seen numerous uses, as a brewery, a jail, a granary, and most recently as flats.
In 1349 Crediton was affected badly by the Black Death. Two years later, the town was sacked by French troops during the Hundred Years’ War.
Crediton was one of the first towns in England to be given a charter by Edward III, in 1365.
During the 15th century, the political importance of Crediton declined, and by 1500 it was described as being “in dispersed houses, the larger part timber”. This may be in part due to the Wars of the Roses and the Reformation, which sundered many of the ties binding the local population together.
In 1538, Henry VIII closed the cathedral, and in 1539 dissolved Crediton’s monastery, throwing the town into economic decline. The town soon recoverd, however, and was prosperous throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, despite being ravaged by the Plague in 1625.
During the Civil War, Crediton was a Royalist stronghold, and was besieged by Parliamentarian troops on three occasions. The town was finally captured by the Parliamentarians in 1646.
In 1660 the town hosted the Assizes, and in 1685 Crediton was the site of the Bloodless Revolution, which saw James II forced to flee to France.
During the 19th century, the arrival of the railways brought further prosperity to Crediton, which became an important junction on the London to Exeter line. The town’s population grew rapidly, reaching 5,000 by the end of the century.
Today, Crediton is a thriving market town, with a lively town centre and a historic church at its heart. The town still retains its old market charter, and hosts a popular Farmers’ Market on the fourth Saturday of every month.
Vacation in Crediton
Crediton is a small town in Devon, England. It is situated on the A3072, which links Exeter to Barnstaple. The town has a population of just over 5,000 and is twinned with Louviers in France.
It is believed that the town was founded by St.Crida, who established a monastery here in the 7th century. The Domesday Book records that the town had a market and two mills.
The town’s name comes from the River Dart, which flows through it. The river produces excellent fly fishing, and the town is also popular for walking and cycling. There are a number of bed and breakfast establishments in the town, as well as a number of pubs and restaurants.
The town has a number of historic buildings, including the 15th century Church of St. Giles, and the remains of the Norman castle. There is also a Museum of Mid Devon Life, which tells the story of the local area.
Crediton is an excellent base for exploring the rest of Devon. The town is only a short drive from the coast, and there are a number of interesting towns and villages nearby, such as Okehampton, Tavistock, and Tiverton.
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