Merton

Civil Parish in Devon Torridge

England

Merton

Sculpture at Dunsbear Sculpture made of tiles by local schoolchildren at Dunsbear on the Tarka Trail — Sculpture at Dunsbear Credit: Ron Strutt

Merton is a civil parish located in the county of Devon, in the southwestern part of England. Situated approximately 9 miles west of Okehampton, the parish covers an area of around 15 square miles and is home to a population of approximately 400 people.

The village of Merton itself is nestled in the picturesque countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and lush green fields. It is a traditional English village, with charming thatched cottages and a historic church at its heart. The village is well-served by amenities, including a primary school, a village hall, and a post office.

Merton boasts a rich history, dating back to medieval times. The parish church of St. Mary the Virgin, with its Norman origins, is a prominent landmark and a testament to the area's historical significance. The Merton Manor, a Grade II listed building, also stands as a reminder of the village's past.

The surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, with footpaths and bridleways providing access to the beautiful Devonshire landscape. The village is located close to Dartmoor National Park, a vast and stunning area of moorland and forests, which is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

Overall, Merton is a tranquil and picturesque village in Devon, offering a peaceful and idyllic setting for residents and visitors alike. With its rich history, beautiful countryside, and a close-knit community, Merton is a charming destination for those seeking a quintessential English village experience.

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Merton Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.903535/-4.100139 or Grid Reference SS5213. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sculpture at Dunsbear

Sculpture made of tiles by local schoolchildren at Dunsbear on the Tarka Trail

Ron Strutt

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

Beaford Bridge and Beaford Mill

Beaford Bridge crosses the river Torridge. The picturesque Beaford Mills can be seen in the background.

Philip Halling

Cattle at Dunsbeare

A line-up of curious beasts by the lane that climbs a ridge from Dunsbear (sic) Moor to Pretty Top. The valley behind them runs to the right to join the River Mere. The buildings beyond are on a further ridge-top lane. In the distance, some 25 kilometres away, is Dartmoor.

Derek Harper

Farmland at Potheridge

A field boundary seems to have vanished recently in this large field by the lane from Brandis Corner to Pinkhill Farm. The hedge with the isolated tree runs along the foot of a shallow valley which soon steepens to the right as it plunges 100 metres through Huntingham Hill Wood to meet the Torridge a mile away. The building in the far trees is Great Potheridge, home of General Monk (of the Restoration), "a puzzling and tantalizing fragment" according to Cherry & Pevsner.

Derek Harper

Field at Pinkhill Farm

The roofs of a couple of the farm's barns peep above the grass. The conifer wood is Furzehill Plantation, largely in SS5114.

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

Maize field by the Torridge

The river, flowing in a deep incised meander, is just some 10 metres through the trees on the left. To the right is the edge of Poundcleave Wood. The farm in the distance is Yeory.

Derek Harper

Lane near Pinkhill Farm

The lane from the farm to Brandis Corner, with a threatening sky to the west.

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

Balls

Balls is the white farm across the fields. The lane is leading from Whiteland Head to Balls Corner Cross.

Derek Harper

Lane to Whiteland Head

Looking in the opposite direction from close to the spot where SS5413 : Balls was taken. The lane is about to cross a gridline; the tree on the left is just inside SS5313.

Derek Harper

Countryside near Balls

A view from close to where SS5413 : Balls and SS5413 : Lane to Whiteland Head were taken, across the valley mentioned in SS5313 : Hillies Wood. The woods on the far slope are Highridge Copse (left) and New Plantation (centre right); the small wood between them is at Highridge. On the right, Hillies Wood is casting a long evening shadow.

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