Chulmleigh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chulmleigh |
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 Main Street in Chulmleigh |
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 Chulmleigh
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| Population | 1,017 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | SS6814 |
| Civil parish |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CHULMLEIGH |
| Postcode district | EX18 |
| Dialling code | 01769 |
| Police | Devon and Cornwall |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Chulmleigh (pronounced CHUM-lee) is a small, historic market town located on a hilltop in North Devon, England. It's found in the heart of the county, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Exeter. This charming town is known for its traditional buildings and peaceful countryside.
Contents
Exploring Chulmleigh's Past
How Chulmleigh Got Its Name
The first time Chulmleigh was written about was in the Domesday Book of 1086. This was a very important survey ordered by William the Conqueror to record all the land and property in England. Back then, the town was called Calmonlevge. Its name comes from an old English personal name, Ceolmund, combined with leah, which means "woodland," "clearing," or "meadow."
From Medieval Times to Market Town
Long ago, the land belonged to a person called Baldwin the Sheriff. Later, it was taken over by the Courtenay family. They made Chulmleigh a "borough" in the mid-1200s. A borough was a special town that had certain rights, like holding markets.
Chulmleigh was located on the main road between Exeter and Barnstaple. This helped it become a busy place in the 1600s and 1700s. It was a center for making wool products and had a good market where people could trade goods. The town also held three cattle fairs, which were big events for farmers.
Changes in the 1800s
By the early 1800s, the wool trade in Chulmleigh had stopped. The town still did well because of the road traffic passing through. However, things changed around 1830 when a new turnpike road was built. This new road went around Chulmleigh instead of through it, which meant less traffic and fewer visitors.
Then, in 1854, the North Devon Railway opened. This made it even easier for people and goods to travel, but it also meant that towns not directly on the railway line, like Chulmleigh, became less important for trade. These changes led to a decline in the town's prosperity.
What Chulmleigh is Like Today
Chulmleigh Parish and Its Neighbors
The area around Chulmleigh is called a civil parish. This parish includes smaller villages and hamlets like Cheldon, Colleton, and Week. Chulmleigh is surrounded by other parishes, including King's Nympton and Chawleigh. In 2011, about 1,017 people lived in the parish.
Historic Buildings and the Church
Because Chulmleigh was once a very successful town, it has many beautiful old buildings. Many of these are made from cob (a natural building material like clay and straw) and have thatched roofs.
The main church in Chulmleigh is dedicated to St Mary Magdalene. It was originally a special church called a collegiate church and was built a very long time ago. The church was completely rebuilt in the 1400s and later repaired in 1881.
Local Life and Services
Chulmleigh has a local fire station that is part of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. The town also has a secondary school called Chulmleigh College. If you're looking for a place to eat or relax, the town's pub is called the Old Court House.
You can find many useful businesses and organizations in Chulmleigh. These include a health center, a dentist, a butcher, a deli, and an antiques shop. There's also a florist, a hair and beauty salon, a bakery, and even a golf course. For sports fans, Chulmleigh has its own Cricket Club.
Getting Around Chulmleigh
Train Travel Near Chulmleigh
Chulmleigh is located close to the Tarka Line. This is a railway line that connects Exeter to Barnstaple. While Kings Nympton railway station is within the parish, it's about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the town center. Eggesford railway station is actually closer to Chulmleigh.
See also
In Spanish: Chulmleigh para niños
