Okehampton — Devon, England
Okehampton is a town and civil parish in the South West in the county of Devon, situated on the River Okement at the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park; within close proximity to Yes Tor and High Willhays, the highest points in Dartmoor National Park from which incredible vistas lay at your feet.
On the moorland surrounding Okehampton ancient people settled during the Bronze Age; the first settlers arrived leaving archaeological remains which can be seen on the slopes of the land. By the 7th century Saxon rule prevailed; most likely their settlement was in the area of the parish church, which is in close proximity to the modern town. Eventually during Norman times, Okehampton Castle, a motte and bailey structure became part of the landscape. Built in the late 11th century it is mentioned in the Domesday Book as being in possession of the Sheriff of Devon. The bulk of the Keep and the curtain walls which still exist, and appear to be from the 14th century. The Castle ruins, administered by English Heritage, are conveniently located near the Town Centre, creating quite an impressive sight for its size and its aesthetic loveliness. This reputedly haunted Castle is perhaps one of the most painted castles in Devon. JMW Turner, known as 'the painter of light', was one of the finest Romantic landscape artists in England; and he produced more than one canvass of the Castle.
The original Church of All Saints was consecrated in 1261, was rebuilt in 1447; and was destroyed by fire in 1842, with the exception of the Perpendicular tower. The new building was modelled after the old, with the 80 foot granite ashlar tower kept intact. There has been a Church on this hill since Saxon times where the village clustered around it. When Okehampton Castle was built in 1066 the village began to develop near the castle where the modern town exists in the river valley; leaving the church on the hill just outside the town.
During medieval times, the town grew with the tin and the wool trade creating wealth for the community. A visit to the Museum of Dartmoor Life, located in Okehampton relates the town history along with the history of the moor, its relics and the people who settled here through the millennium. The museum has an exquisite Victorian courtyard and a working waterwheel at the side of the building, all of which create an appealing ambiance. Walking one of the many trails and footpaths through the countryside tells the story of the land from Meldon quarry to the stone circles and other archaeological remains; while for pure enjoyment visit Meldon Reservoir, which is near the town; offering walkers peaceful, pacific scenery along the calm waters.
At the heart of the town is Simmons Park whose beauty and serene environment is made even more ideal by the East Ockment River flowing through the park. One can spend a quiet afternoon in the park, or plan a day of fishing in one of the two branches of the river that Okehampton is known for, and perhaps you may catch one of the small trout that fill the river. Or perhaps take a train on the Heritage Railway run by Dartmoor Railway to see the Meldon Quarry from the rails.
Where is Okehampton?Okehampton is located in southwest England where the B3217, B3215 and B3260 merge.
