Plympton Hundred facts for kids
Plympton Hundred was an important historical area in Devon, England. It was one of 32 special administrative units, called "hundreds," that helped organize the county a long time ago.
What Was a Hundred?
A "hundred" was a type of local government area in England, dating back over a thousand years. Imagine it like a very old-fashioned district or county division. These hundreds were used for many things, including collecting taxes and holding local courts.
How Hundreds Were Used
Hundreds were important for keeping order and managing the land. They helped the king or local lords know who lived where and what resources were available. Each hundred had its own meeting place, often a special tree or stone, where people would gather to discuss local issues.
Parishes of Plympton Hundred
The Plympton Hundred included several smaller areas called parishes. A parish is a local church district, and it often formed the smallest unit of local government.
List of Parishes
The parishes that made up Plympton Hundred were:
These parishes are still villages and towns in Devon today. They show how the old administrative boundaries have influenced modern places.
The History of Hundreds
Hundreds were first created in England during Anglo-Saxon times, long before the Norman Conquest in 1066. They were a key part of how the country was governed for many centuries. Over time, their importance slowly faded as new forms of local government were introduced. However, their names and boundaries often remained on maps and in local records.
Why Hundreds Disappeared
By the 19th century, hundreds were mostly replaced by other administrative areas like counties and districts. This happened because the population grew, and new ways of governing were needed. Even though they are no longer used for administration, the history of hundreds like Plympton Hundred helps us understand how England was organized in the past.
