Lapford facts for kids
Lapford is a small village in Devon, England. It's located in the area called Mid Devon. In 2011, about 867 people lived here. Lapford is part of a larger area known as Taw Valley.
Quick facts for kids Lapford |
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 Lapford |
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 Lapford
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| Population | 867 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | SS7308 |
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| District | |
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| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CREDITON |
| Postcode district | EX17 |
| Dialling code | 01363 |
| Police | Devon and Cornwall |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Contents
Churches in Lapford
Lapford village has three churches. These are St Thomas of Canterbury Church of England, Lapford Community Church, and Lapford Congregational church.
St Thomas of Canterbury Church
The St Thomas of Canterbury church started as a Norman chapel. It was built shortly after the death of Thomas Becket in 1170. King Henry II ordered it to be rebuilt and made bigger. This work was done by William de Tracey, who was one of the knights involved in Becket's death.
The church was made even larger in the 1400s and 1500s. It has a very special carved screen from the late 1400s. This screen is unique because it has carvings on both sides. The church also has many interesting carved pew ends. These are the decorated ends of the wooden benches where people sit.
Exploring Lapford Village
Lapford is a village with a long history. It has interesting places to visit and learn about.
Roman History in Lapford
Near Lapford is a place called Bury Barton. This was once the site of a Roman fort. Experts believe it was a large fort built before the year 70 AD. Later, a smaller fort was built there, but it was also left empty quite early on.
Local Businesses and Fun
In the early 1900s, a famous food company called Ambrosia had a big creamery here. This was a factory that processed milk.
The village has one pub called "The Old Malt Scoop Inn". It's in the middle of the village and used to be a place where horse-drawn coaches would stop in the 1500s.
Lapford also has a playing field. It has two play areas for kids. There's a big grassy space, perfect for playing football. There's also a fenced playground with swings, slides, and roundabouts.
Lapford Railway Station
Lapford railway station is a "request stop" station. This means that if you want to get on the train, you need to signal to the driver. If you want to get off, you need to tell the train guard.
Local Legends and Ghost Stories
Lapford is known for a few local legends. These are old stories that people tell about the village.
The Ghost of John Radford
One story is about the spirit of a former vicar (church leader) of St Thomas of Canterbury Church, named John Radford. In the 1860s, he was accused of a serious crime. However, a jury made up of many villagers found him not guilty. He then went back to his church duties.
When he was dying, he wished to be buried inside the church. He warned that if his wish wasn't granted, he would haunt the village. The church leaders did not allow this. He was buried outside the church, near the vestry door. People say his spirit still wanders around Lapford.
The Ghost of Thomas Becket
Another legend says that the spirit of Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, also haunts Lapford. On the day he was murdered, people say his ghost gallops through the village on horseback.
See also
In Spanish: Lapford para niños
