South Molton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Molton |
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 The Square, looking towards SE showing the projecting north front of the Palladian Guildhall built 1739-41 |
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 South Molton
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| Population | 6,354 (Parish, 2021) 6,225 (Built up area, 2021) |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | South Molton |
| Postcode district | EX36 |
| 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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South Molton is a charming town in Devon, England. It is located in the North Devon area, right by the River Mole. In 2021, about 6,225 people lived here.
South Molton is known as a market town. This means it has a long history of trading, especially sheep and cattle. The town is found on the southern edge of Exmoor, a beautiful national park. You can reach it easily from the A361 North Devon link road. There used to be a train station here, but it closed in 1966.
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Exploring South Molton's Past
South Molton has a very old history. Before the Normans arrived in England, it was an important administrative center. This means it helped manage many smaller areas around it.
The town is even mentioned in the Domesday Book from 1086. This was a huge survey ordered by King William the Conqueror. It described South Molton as a large estate owned by the king. The book noted that the land had farms, woodlands, and meadows. It also mentioned that four priests held some land there.
A famous event happened in South Molton on March 14, 1655. A man named Sir John Penruddock was captured here. He was part of a plan to bring King Charles II back to the throne. Soldiers from the New Model Army fought for three hours to capture him. This event ended the uprising he led.
In 1770, a man named William Turner moved from South Molton to London. His son, Joseph Mallord William Turner, later became one of England's most famous painters. You can learn more about him at the Tate art museum.
How South Molton is Governed
South Molton has three levels of local government. These groups help run the town and surrounding areas.
- The first level is the South Molton Town Council. This council looks after local matters.
- The next level is the North Devon Council, which is based in Barnstaple.
- The highest level is the Devon County Council, located in Exeter.
The South Molton Town Council has its offices at the Amory Centre on East Street. This building also has a library and helps the North Devon Council.
South Molton has been an important town for a long time. Queen Elizabeth I officially recognized it as a borough in 1590. A borough is a town with its own local government. The town council used to meet at the Town Hall, which was built in 1743.
Over the years, the way South Molton is governed has changed. In 1967, it became a "rural borough." This meant it was part of a larger district but still had its own mayor. In 1974, new laws changed local government again. South Molton became a "civil parish," but it kept the right to call itself a town and have a mayor. This is why it is still called the South Molton Town Council today.
The town council moved to the Amory Centre in 2008. However, council meetings are still held at both the Amory Centre and the historic Town Hall.
Learning and Education
South Molton offers good schools for its young people.
- South Molton Community College is a state secondary school. It is known as a specialist technology college, meaning it focuses on technology education.
- South Molton Primary School is another important school. It was even studied by famous researchers, Iona and Peter Opie, in the 1950s.
Local Media and News
If you live in South Molton, you can get local news and entertainment in several ways.
- Television: Local TV news comes from BBC South West and ITV West Country. You can get these signals from nearby TV transmitters.
- Radio: There are several local radio stations. These include BBC Radio Devon (94.8 FM), Heart West (96.2 FM), and The Voice (106.1 FM). Soundwave Radio is a local community station that broadcasts online.
- Newspaper: The town is served by the local newspaper, North Devon Gazette.
Important Buildings to See
One of South Molton's most notable buildings is the Guildhall. It was built between 1739 and 1743. This building is very special because it contains beautiful parts from another grand house called Stowe House in Cornwall. Stowe House was taken apart in 1739, and some of its best features were moved to the Guildhall. The Guildhall is a "Grade I listed building," which means it is a very important historic building.
Behind the Guildhall, you will find the town's Pannier Market. This is a traditional covered market where people can buy and sell goods.
Hugh Squier: A Town Benefactor
Hugh Squier (1625–1710) was a very rich local businessman who did a lot of good for South Molton. He made his money in London and returned home when he was 29. He bought the "lordship of the manor" of South Molton. This old title meant he could collect fees from the town's markets and fairs.
Sadly, all of Hugh Squier's children died young. Because he had no one to inherit his wealth, he decided to use his money to help his hometown. In 1686, he built and supported a grammar school in South Molton. It was called Hugh Squier's Free School. This school provided education for free. Later, it joined with other schools to become the South Molton United School.
When Hugh Squier died, he left a lot of money to the town. This money was used to clean and repair the streets. You can still see his portrait in the Mayor's Parlour at the Town Hall. There is also a stone bust of him on the outside of the building. A small portrait of him even hangs from the mayor's chain of office!
See also
In Spanish: South Molton para niños
