Merton

Settlement in Devon Torridge

England

Merton

Bracken by the Tarka Trail on Marland Moor Credit: David Smith

Merton is a small village located in the district of Torridge, in the county of Devon, England. Situated approximately 7 miles south of Great Torrington, the village lies within the stunning countryside of the West Devon area, offering picturesque views and a tranquil atmosphere.

The village of Merton is known for its rich history, dating back to the medieval times. It is home to the Grade I listed St. Mary's Church, a 13th-century structure that showcases beautiful stained glass windows and intricate architectural details. The church is a testament to the village's historical significance and attracts visitors interested in its heritage.

Merton is also famous for being the birthplace of the renowned Victorian author, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who was born in a house named "The Rectory" in the village. A plaque commemorating his birth can be found in the village.

With a small population of around 500 residents, Merton is a close-knit community where residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle. The village has a primary school, a village hall, and a local pub, providing essential amenities for its residents. It is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and walkers.

Merton offers a charming and idyllic setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and strong community spirit make it a hidden gem in the Devonshire countryside.

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Merton Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.889601/-4.0959507 or Grid Reference SS5212. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bracken by the Tarka Trail on Marland Moor

David Smith

Merton Church

Another Devon location where my BLIGHT ancestors came from.

Stephen Bashford

Merton: cottage by Merton Mill Cross

As the signpost states, the road on the left leads to Beaford – via Balls Corner and Beaford Mill, on the river Torridge

Martin Bodman

St James the Less church, Huish

The church was heavily restored by G E Street in 1873; only the medieval tower remains as it was.

Derek Harper

Lower Lodge

Close to Kingsford Bridge on the A386 over the Little Mere River.

Derek Harper

Tarka Trail notices, Petrockstowe station

A small car park to the right makes this a spot for starting walks or cycle rides along the trail, which here follows the line of the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway. Going through the gate on the left and turning right will take you past the site of the former station and on through woodland towards Meeth. The wood in the background is Heathmoor Plantation.

Derek Harper

Tarka Trail

The trail, combining footpath and cycleway, follows the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway across Marland Moor. Discreetly hidden by trees on the left are large clay working spoil heaps.

Derek Harper

Otter seats, Tarka Trail

Katy Hallett, Sustrans lead artist, designed these mosaic benches, entitled "White Tip and Greymuzzle", beside the trail on Marland Moor. To the right, across the field, is North Meadow Copse. Spoil tips from clay mining (one of the main users of the former railway along which the trail runs) are hidden to the left.

Derek Harper

Hillies Wood

The view from a gateway near Whiteland Head. A rather small stream occupying quite a broad valley emerges from the wood. The lane to Balls Corner Cross continues, on the left, into SS5413 - photos SS5413 : Countryside near Balls, SS5413 : Balls and SS5413 : Lane to Whiteland Head were all taken from where the lane goes out of sight.

Derek Harper

The Hellings

Part of the parkland at Heanton Satchville, on slopes above the valley of the River Mere. Seen from Huish Footpath 3.

Derek Harper

The Hellings

An assortment of parkland trees beside Huish Footpath 3. SS5311 : The Hellings looks across to the west.

Derek Harper

Lych gate, Huish

Looking out from the churchyard of SS5311 : St James the Less church, Huish. The paving beyond the tiles in very similar to SS5408 : Path to church, Meeth. Beyond the roadway is a calvary.

Derek Harper

Lower Lodge

Another view of SS5211 : Lower Lodge from the A386 at Kingsford Bridge over the Little Mere River. The junction on the right is with a lane to Petrockstowe.

Derek Harper

Recycled sign, Petrockstowe station

I tried turning this upside down to read the former wording, but it seems to have been re-used several times!

Derek Harper

Tarka Trail

The trail, combining footpath and cycleway (NCN route 3), follows the former track of the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway across Bury Moors.

Derek Harper

Field at Whiteland Head

From the same gateway as SS5313 : Hillies Wood, a view of a steep field above Hillies Wood.

Derek Harper

Burymoor Plantation

A rather gloomy road that links Petrockstowe station on the Tarka Trail with the A386 near Merton. Burymoor Plantation is on the right; on the left is Baker's Plantation.

Derek Harper

Merton Methodist Church

This appears to have been converted into a private dwelling, but has been renovated very sympathetically. The road is the A386 between Merton and Great Torrington. The telephone box shown on maps has vanished.

Derek Harper

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Merton is located at Grid Ref: SS5212 (Lat: 50.889601, Lng: -4.0959507)

Administrative County: Devon

District: Torridge

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall