Chudleigh facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chudleigh
Chudleigh
Chudleigh
Population	1,488 (2011 Census)
OS grid reference	SX865795
District	Teignbridge
Shire county	Devon
Region	South West
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	NEWTON ABBOT
Postcode district	TQ13
Dialling code	01626
Police	Devon and Cornwall
Fire	Devon and Somerset
Ambulance	South Western
EU Parliament	South West England
UK Parliament	Central Devon
List of places UK England Devon 50°36′14″N 3°36′18″W / 50.604°N 3.605°W / 50.604; -3.605

Chudleigh is an old town in Devon, England. It is known as a "wool town" because of its history with the wool trade. You can find it between the towns of Newton Abbot and Exeter.

In 2011, about 1,488 people lived in Chudleigh. It is part of the Teignbridge District Council area.

Chudleigh's Location and Surroundings

Chudleigh is in the Teign Valley, which is a beautiful area. It is also very close to the edge of Dartmoor, a large national park.

Near Chudleigh, there is an ancient place called Castle Dyke. This was an Iron Age hill fort, which is a type of old fort built on a hill. It shows that people lived here a very long time ago.

The town is also close to Haldon Forest. This is a large forest managed by the Forestry Commission. A major road, the A38, has bypassed Chudleigh since 1972. This means the main road goes around the town, not through it.

The Great Fire of Chudleigh

Chudleigh Rebuilding Act 1808
Act of Parliament
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Long title	An Act for the better and more easy rebuilding of the Town of Chudleigh, in the County of Devon; for determining Differences touching Houses demolished by the late Fire there; and for preventing future Danger by Fire.
Citation	48 Geo. 3. c. lxxxix
Dates
Royal assent	1 June 1808
Text of statute as originally enacted

In 1807, Devon had a very dry year, almost like a drought. There was little rain for many weeks. Farmers were worried about their crops.

On May 22nd, at noon, a small fire started. It began in a pile of dry furze (a type of thorny bush) near ovens at a bakery. This bakery was on Culver Street, which is now called New Exeter Street.

The bakery staff did not seem to realize how dangerous the fire was. The dry furze quickly caught fire and exploded. The flames spread very fast to the bakery's roof. Most houses in Chudleigh at that time had thatched roofs, made of straw or reeds.

A strong north-easterly wind began to blow. It carried large burning pieces of reed and straw through the air. The fire quickly spread across the town. It destroyed about 180 of the 300 houses in Chudleigh.

Important Buildings in Chudleigh

Chudleigh Parish Church

Chudleigh church

The main church in Chudleigh is called St Martin and St Mary. It was officially opened in 1259. The building is very old, from the medieval period.

It was heavily repaired and updated in 1868. Inside, there is a special screen called a rood screen. This screen has paintings of saints and prophets. It also shows the coat of arms of the Courtenay family, a famous local family.

Later, in 1887, a group of nuns from Syon Abbey built a monastery in Chudleigh. It was known as Chudleigh Abbey. The nuns lived there until 1925.

Chudleigh Town Hall

Chudleigh Town Hall

The Chudleigh Town Hall was built in 1865. It was designed in the Italianate style. This style was popular in the 19th century and looks like buildings from Italy.

Historic Homes and Estates

Several important historic estates are located in the Chudleigh area.

Ugbrooke House

Ugbrooke has been owned by the Clifford family since 1604. It is a very important stately home. It is also the family home of the Barons Clifford of Chudleigh. This special title was created in 1672.

Whiteway House

Whiteway House is a beautiful Georgian house. It is considered a Grade II* listed building, meaning it is very important historically. It sits in a large park about 2 and a half miles north of Chudleigh.

The house was built in the 1770s. It was built by John Parker, 1st Baron Boringdon. He was also known for his home, Saltram House.

Hams Barton

Hams Barton is another historic building. It is also a grade II* listed building. It used to be the home of the Hunt family. You can find it about one mile north-east of Chudleigh.

The Hunt family lived there before Queen Elizabeth I was queen (1558-1603). Thomas Hunt, who died in 1548, was the Mayor of Exeter three times.

Hams Barton has a special room called a banqueting room. It is on the first floor and is very grand. Many memorials to the Hunt family are in a special area of Chudleigh church called the Hunt Aisle.

Chudleigh Carnival

The Chudleigh Carnival is a fun event that happens every year. It takes place in the second week of July and lasts for a whole week.

Chudleigh's Weather

See also

In Spanish: Chudleigh para niños