User:JeffreySteer/Alphington, Devon

Alphington is a village in the southwest of Exeter, Devon, in southwest England. The ward of Alphington has a population of 8250 according to the 2001 census, making it the third largest in Exeter, with the village itself accounting for about a quarter of this figure. It is surrounded on two sides by Devon countryside, with the Marsh Barton trading estate to the east and Exeter to the north.

History

A highly prized, well polished stone axe, found at Waybrook Cottage is evidence of neolithic occupation of Alphington. It indicates that there was trading taking place, as the flint is not local. In 1973, a bronze age ring ditch was excavated at Markham Lane, and two cremations found, along with shards of pottery.

The earliest references to ownership of the land attribute it to the Saxon Kings (probably Cenwalh) in AD658, remaining in their hand's until the Norman Conquest. Alphington is not mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086), but the King did have a manor called Alphintone and there has been a church in Alphington since 1100. The village possibly gets its name from an Anglo-Saxon farmer called Alfa who owned most of the land upon which the village is built. The ing means 'place of' and the ton refers to a settlement.

The Priory of St Mary de Marisco was established on the site now occupied by Comet, Currys and Staples on the land of the former cattle market, off Alphington Road. It was recorded as early as 1155 as an annexe of the Plympton Priory, to whom it paid rent between 1263 to 1273 and 1281 to 1384. By 1546, the land was in the possession of James Coffin, who was the owner of some other land that he sold to the City Chamber during the time of the building of the canal. John Hooker, the first Chamberlain and chronicler of Exeter, purchased timber from Coffin's land, in 1562.

Parliamentary troops used the church as a stable in 1644, during the English Civil War and in 1646, Alphington was one of the principal quarters of Sir Thomas Fairfax's army, when he was blockading Exeter.

Between 1682 and 1870, Alphington held its famous Cattle and Horse Fairs, thanks in part ot its ideal location as a rendezvous to get transport to Haldon Races. The Horse Fair was the largest in the county and attracted punters from miles around.

In October 1986, an arsonist set light to the vestry of the church and caused severe damage. Money raised by the parishoners, and from the insurance settlement, was used to to restore the vestry, loft, roof and ceremonial items whilse a new organ was aquired. The first service in the restored building was held on the eve of the feast of St Michael on 28th September 1987.

Although Alphington has been suburbanised by its proximity to Exeter (1966), it retains a village atmosphere and there are still good examples of 17th, 18th century and early 19th century building.

Architecture & Buildings

Mile End Cottage, on the main road through the village, is the house that Charles Dickens gave to his parents in 1839. * Cartwheels is a typical 15th century Devon farmhouse near the parish church (of St Michael and All Angels).
Most of the church building originates from the 15th century, including it's rood-screen (the North aisle screen has a different style and design and possible comes from another church). The screen across the tower arch was made up from the remains of the former Jacobean gallery (1625) demolished in 1875. Saint Apollonia was depicted on one of the pannels but it has be badly disfigured.
There are numerous other thatched cottages dating from the 17th century onwards as well as a Victorian prison building, recently renovated, and the old Victorian school building.

Other Points of Interest

In 1749, a peal of eight bells was hung in the church, having been cast by Bilbie of Cullumpton. At the time, it was the largest peal in the country. These eight bells were re-cast from the original five hung prior to 1550.

The church's 12th century Beer stone font is one of the finest of its period in Devon and one of the oldest in the country.

Education

The modern Alphington Primary School is the main educational establishment in the village, with around 350 pupils aged between 5 and 11. Secondary Educaiton is provided by West Exe Technology College, on the border between Alphington and St Thomas, and Exeter College.

Sport

The village is represented in the Devon County League by the Alphas, (Alphington AFC) football team who play at The Chronicles (on Alphington Playing Field). The playing field is also home to the Alphington cricket team.

Notable People from Alphington

Robert Stone (1516-1613), composer and member of the Chapel Royal
Charles Babbage (1791-1871), "father of computing" educated in Alphington
Charles Dickens's parents (1839) moved to Alphington