Pictures of England
 Exploring the most Picturesque & Historic parts of England..

Pictures of South Molton

a Historic Market Town in the county of Devon

No picture available

About South Molton

The South Molton of present times is known to have been the home of Henry Williamson, author of Tarka the Otter who lived just outside the town, at Shallowford House. He also wrote the engaging story Dandelion Days.

Early evidence suggests that there was once a Saxon colony here but it is as an ancient sheep and cattle market town that South Molton has been documented since the 12th-century. Until the middle of the 19th-century the town prospered as a triving centre for the wool industry. In early times, it was a coach stop on the route to Barnstable and Bideford and it was fortunate to be close to the iron and copper mines of North Molton, a matter which greatly enhanced the fortunes of the town and towns-folk.

There are some very handsome Georgian houses to be seen in this lovely little town along with the elegant 18th-century Guildhall and Assembly Rooms of the 19th-century. The Medical Hall has a unique verandah of intricate ironwork, it overlooks the market place and dates 19th-century. As with many other similar towns, money from the wool trade sourced these beautiful buildings.

South Molton museum tells of the history of the town and has some interesting exhibits including an early wooden fire engine. It is a fascinating place and worthy of your time.

Hugh Squier, was a local farmer's son who, born in 1625 eventually found his way to London and became a wealthy merchant. However, he did not forget the town of his birth, he built and endowed the town's grammer school in 1684, he died in the year 1710 and is commorated by a plaque in the Guildhall.

Close to the square is an avenue of lime trees, leading to the church of St. Mary Magdalene. It was built in 1430 and amongst it's treasures is the original stone pulpit with carvings of apostles.

South Molton is a spacious town amid fine open countryside interspersed with rivers, streams, meadows and pastureland grazed by cattle and sheep. There are pretty cottages and handsome farmhouses dotted around the ancient lanes and here and there you will find a pleasant country inn. It is a charming place and it's close proximity to the beauties of Exmoor make it well worth a visit

Planning a visit to South Molton?
Please support the Pictures of England website by booking your South Molton hotels & accommodation through this site.

Add town to favourites

History of South Molton

Recommended towns & villages near South Molton

A packhorse bridge in the village of Winsford on Exmoor National Park, Somerset.

Winsford

(13.1 miles, 21.1 km, direction NE)

One of the prettiest and most unspoilt of villages, steeped in history and mentioned in the Domesday book..

Information | Pictures (3) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Traditional Devon cottages backing onto churchyard in Zeal Monachorum, Devon

Zeal Monachorum

(13.7 miles, 22.1 km, direction S)

Set amid the rolling agricultural heartland of Devon, Zeal Monachorum is the very epitome of the perfect, tranquil Devonian village...

Information | Pictures (4) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Oare Inspiring!

Oare

(14.5 miles, 23.3 km, direction N)

Thus, it was unsurprising to learn that this was the setting for R.D.Blackmore's famous novel, Lorna Doone...

Information | Pictures (4) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Rock pools

Combe Martin

(15.1 miles, 24.4 km, direction NW)

..

Information | Pictures (65) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Instow Parish Church

Instow

(15.2 miles, 24.5 km, direction W)

Instow is a gorgeous seaside resort with a mass of golden sands backed by a delightful village clambering upwards to meet with fine wooded countryside...

Information | Pictures (15) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

All towns in Devon
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near South Molton

Tarr Steps, Dulverton, Somerset, dating from 1000 BC

Tarr Steps

(10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction E)

A Prehistoric bridge dating from 1000 BC. The bridge crosses the river Barle with some of its stones weighing 5 tonnes, and said.....

Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels

Arlinton Court Pond

Arlington Court

(11.1 miles, 17.8 km, direction NW)

Owned by the National Trust, containing their largest collection of horse-drawn carriages...

Information | Pictures (20) | Hotels

Valley of Rocks

Exmoor National Park

(11.6 miles, 18.7 km, direction NE)

A castle perched high above the sea dominates the north-eastern corner of Exmoor. For hundreds of years Dunster Castle has stood.....

Information | Pictures (78) | Hotels

RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, North Devon. January 2005.

RHS Garden Rosemoor

(14.2 miles, 22.9 km, direction W)

..

Information | Pictures (35) | Hotels

Watersmeet

Watersmeet

(14.6 miles, 23.5 km, direction N)

This is a delightful fishing lodge from 1823 located at the picturesque spot in the East Lyn Valley where the waters of the River.....

Information | Pictures (33) | Hotels


All attractions in South Molton
All attractions in Devon
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Hotels & Accommodation in South Molton

Our South Molton pages are sponsored by Your Business Here.

South Molton Hotels  South Molton Cottages  South Molton Bed & Breakfast

The George Hotel in South Molton, Devon, England2 stars

The George Hotel

South Molton, Devon, England (0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
This 18th-century hotel is set in the centre of South Molton. It mixes original character with modern comforts and has log fires, free Wi-Fi, free parking and en suite rooms with flat-screen TVs....
More info and book online..  Price from £45.00

Northcote Manor in Umberleigh Bridge, Devon, England3 stars

Northcote Manor

Umberleigh Bridge, Devon, England (7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction SW)
A meandering wooded driveway leads to a delightful oasis of calm and serenity at Northcote Manor, set in beautiful Devon countryside. At this hotel, life is conducted at a slow, relaxing pace....
More info and book online..  Price from £75.00

The Old Bakehouse in Chulmleigh, Devon, England4 stars

The Old Bakehouse

Chulmleigh, Devon, England (7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction S)
Situated in the centre of a small conservation town, this respectfully converted 16th century house offers quality cuisine in a tranquil location. Built around 1520, this thatched, former wool mercha...
More info and book online..  Price from £55.00

Stoke House Bed and Breakfast in Stoke Rivers, Devon, England4 stars

Stoke House Bed and Breakfast

Stoke Rivers, Devon, England (7.9 miles, 12.8 km, direction NW)
Situated in the rural, picturesque hamlet of Stoke Rivers, the Stoke House Bed and Breakfast has great views of the Devon countryside....
More info and book online..  Price from £30.00

Fox & Hounds Country Hotel in Chulmleigh, Devon, England3 stars

Fox & Hounds Country Hotel

Chulmleigh, Devon, England (9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction S)
In the glorious North Devon Countryside, perched on the River Taw amid the scenic landscape of the Tarka Trail, this relaxed hotel offers a comfortable retreat to nature....
More info and book online..  Price from £60.00


All Accommodation in South Molton..

Nearby travel help

King's Nympton Station(6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction SW)
Portsmouth Arms Station(6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction SW)
M5 Junction 27(21.9 miles, 35.2 km, direction E)
M5 Junction 28(22.5 miles, 36.2 km, direction SE)
Exeter Airport(26.5 miles, 42.6 km, direction SE)
Cardiff International Airport(33.6 miles, 54.1 km, direction NE)
South Molton to London(164.2 miles, 264.3 km, direction E)

User Login

Username:
Password:
   Register Here
Forgot password?

Picture Tours

More picture tours..
Members tours..


Search Site: