Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Okehampton has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Okehampton.
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Sights in Okehampton
Okehampton is a town in Devon, England. The town is located on the River Okement, about 10 miles east of the city of Exeter. The town has a population of about 11,000 people.
The town of Okehampton is an ancient town, with a history dating back to the 9th century. The town was first mentioned in a charter of King Alfred the Great in 878 AD. The town was an important market town in medieval times, and was also a major stopping point for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury.
Today, Okehampton is a thriving market town, with a lively market square and a variety of shops and businesses. The town is also home to a number of historic buildings and landmarks. These include the Castle, which was built in the 11th century, and the Church of St. James, which dates back to the 13th century.
There are also a number of attractions in and around the town, such as the Canal Museum, the Okehampton Heritage Centre, and the Okehampton Park. The town is a great base for exploring the beautiful Dartmoor National Park, which is just a short drive away.
History of Okehampton
In the Domesday Book of 1086 Okehampton was recorded as VacOMA, thought to represent the Old English personal name Occa and the Old English word for an enclosed valley, ham. In 1066 it had been held by King Harold Godwinson and its value was reduced from 60 shillings to 30 shillings by 1086.
By 1200 the market town had grown to include part of St James’s parish and had been given a charter to hold a market on Wednesdays and a fair at Michaelmas. Trade prospered and in the early 14th century Okehampton was one of 24 Devon towns sending members to Parliament (2 for the borough and 2 for the townland). In 1334 another charter was granted for a Thursday market and an annual eightday fair starting on the vigil of St Lawrence. At this time the town also had around 130 shops. In the late 14th century the town was adversely affected by the French raids on Dartmouth and Exeter. In 1497, thanks to the efforts of its MP, Sir William Courtenay, Okehampton was given precedence over the other market towns of Devon.
The number of houses in the town was 352 in 1563 but had fallen to only 180 by 1676. Trade revived in the 18th century and by 1789 the town had regained its place as the largest town in West Devon with a population of 5,039.
The arrival of the turnpike road from Plymouth in 1797 and then the Kennet and Avon Canal in 1810 increased trade and led to the growth of the mills on the River Okement. In 1846 the South Devon Railway reached the town and led to further expansion. The population had reached 7,718 by 1851.
Okehampton continued to prosper in the early 20th century with new industries such as W. D. Allen & Sons cereal mill (1903) and the West of England China Clay Corporation’s works (1911) but was hit hard by the depression of the 1930s. The main retail street was pedestrianised in 1974.
The town’s history is recounted in the Exhibition Hall, which is housed in the old grammar school building in North Street. This building was the workhouse from 1777 to 1839 and after 1839 became the Union Workhouse. It was later used as a district hospital until the 1950s.
Vacation in Okehampton
If you are looking for a stunning location to enjoy a vacation, you should consider the city of Okehampton in England. This city is located in the heart of Devon, surrounded by beautiful countryside. There are a number of different activities to enjoy in Okehampton, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
There are a number of different accommodation options available in Okehampton, from camping and caravan sites to hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation. Whatever your budget, you are sure to find somewhere to suit your needs.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Okehampton, making it the perfect place to enjoy a break. With a number of different walking and cycling trails, there is plenty to keep you busy. If you are looking for a more relaxed vacation, there are a number of different gardens and parks to enjoy, as well as a number of historical buildings.
Okehampton is also home to a number of different shops and restaurants, so you can enjoy a spot of retail therapy or grab a bite to eat. There are also a number of different pubs and bars, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink after a long day exploring the city.
If you are looking for a vacation that has something for everyone, then you should consider spending your time in Okehampton. With a range of different activities on offer, as well as plenty of places to stay and eat, you will be spoilt for choice.
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