Follow the town trail which tells the dramatic story of St Boniface, the town’s most famous son, visit the magnificent Parish Church built on the site of Devon’s first cathedral or pop into the museum to learn how the town was once famous for its wool industry. Nearby you’ll discover the remains of an Iron Age fort, a splendid stately home and numerous historic churches which dominate the picturesque villages of Mid Devon.
Crediton and its surrounding villages have a rich heritage with plenty of fascinating places to explore. Follow the town trail which tells the dramatic story of St Boniface, the town’s most famous son, visit the magnificent Parish Church built on the site of Devon’s first cathedral or pop into the museum to learn how the town was once famous for its wool industry. Nearby you’ll discover the remains of an Iron Age fort, a splendid stately home and numerous historic churches which dominate the picturesque villages of Mid Devon.
Crediton or Kirton, as many locals call it, can trace its history back to Saxon times.
Birthplace of St Boniface
St Boniface was born here in 680. He became a Benedictine monk and then a leading missionary who travelled across Europe, eventually becoming archbishop of Mainz in Germany. In 754 he was brutally murdered by bandits in the Netherlands and soon after hailed as a saint.
Revered for centuries across Europe, it was not until 2019 that he was officially recognised as the Patron Saint of Devon. In the same year a series of beautiful stained-glass panels were installed around the town, telling the story of St Boniface’s life. Follow this trail to learn more about Boniface and see parts of the town most visitors don’t reach.
A wealthy wool town
Surrounded by rich pastureland, Crediton developed a thriving wool industry from medieval times and gained a reputation for the quality of its cloth at home and overseas. When the wool trade declined in the 19th century, it was replaced by the manufacture of boots and shoes and at one point the town had five factories producing footwear. By the outbreak of war in 1914 these had all closed but the tanning industry continued here until the 1950s.
The Great Fire of Crediton
The Crediton High Street you see today has evolved since a tragic event known locally as The Great Fire. On Sunday 14th August 1743 fire spread from building to building. At least 16 people were killed and 460 dwellings destroyed. The town was rebuilt but was badly damaged again in 1769 by another fire. In the Crediton Museum you can see an impressive model of the High Street as it was in the early 18th century before the two fires destroyed it.
A magnificent Parish Church
Crediton’s magnificent Parish Church is well worth a visit. Following the founding of a monastery in the 9th century, Crediton was chosen as the site for Devon’s first cathedral. When the seat of power moved to Exeter in 1050, all was not lost and Crediton gained the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross. It was originally staffed by 18 canons and 18 vicars. That would be the envy of any parish today!
The current building was constructed mainly in the 15th century in a distinctive pink stone quarried at Posbury, three miles south west of the town.
Posbury - a great place for walks
At Posbury you’ll discover the remaining earthworks from an early Iron Age hill fort.
Posbury House originally belonged to John Tuckfield, a wealthy wool merchant. There is a memorial to him in Crediton church. The house was later turned into a convent for Franciscan nuns, which closed in 2019.
However, St Luke’s Chapel nearby, built by Richard Tuckfield in 1835, is a little oasis of simple calm. Today it is a great place to start a walk, with wonderful views across the Mid Devon countryside.
Here are some suggested routes. Try a circular walk from Posbury or one that takes in both Posbury and the charming country chapel at Oldridge.
It is thought that the wonderful rich red soil of this area originated from a volcano which was active at Posbury 25 million years ago. Our surrounding countryside looks pretty good at any time of year but in spring, when the ploughed red fields sit beside the verdant greens it is quite spectacular.
The Civil War
Crediton had an eventful Civil War, when both Cavaliers and Roundheads held the town. King Charles I reviewed his troops at Lords Meadow on 27 July 1644, but within three months the town was under the control of Sir Robert Fairfax’s parliamentary army. Oliver Cromwell reviewed his troops on the same site as Charles I had twelve months previously.
Much damage was caused to both property and farmland but Cromwell’s soldiers did dig an impressive cutting just outside the town known as Cromwell’s Cutting. The famous ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn, who spent holidays near Crediton as a child, described going through this dramatic cutting as part of her favourite walk.
Downes House – home of General Redvers Buller
The stately home, Downes House, has stood on the outskirts of Crediton for around 300 years and was famously the home of General Redvers Buller, who was born there in 1839.
His military career is well documented and still debated. What is less well known is that, for over 20 years, he became a highly valued advisor to Queen Victoria. After presenting him with the VC she described him as reserved and shy with a rather dry, gruff manner. She thought him to be very modest about himself. His memorial occupies the whole of the east wall of the nave of the Parish Church.
Shobrooke Park
The landscaped grounds at Shobrooke Park, are the ideal place for a stroll and a picnic. A splendid mansion once stood here but burnt down rather spectacularly in 1945 whilst it was in use as a school. A modern house has replaced it with formal gardens that are sometimes open to the public.
Historic village churches
If you are interested in churches, there are some real gems around Crediton, with distinctive architecture and artefacts as well as spectacular settings.
It is hard to imagine that in 1549 this area was at the heart of the Prayer Book Rebellion.
The churchyard in the lovely village of Sandford has recently won an environment award The church has some splendid carved pew ends.
Before arriving at Clannaborough Church you will probably pass fields of award winning Ruby Red cattle and a large working farm. The tiny 16th century church is dedicated to St Petrock and Clannaborough Barton was listed in the Domesday Book of 1066.
St Andrews, Colebrooke is set on a hill, with sweeping views towards Dartmoor. It is a local landmark and contains many distinctive features, including an unusual 16th century parclose screen.
Upton Hellions Church is not easy to find but it is worth the effort. Simple and whitewashed inside, it has some interesting carved bench ends and an alabaster memorial to a country squire and his wife.
You can find out much more about the history of this area in the Crediton Museum & Heritage Centre on the High Street. The museum is open from April to October and run by volunteers.
Crediton Library is also a useful source of information. Check their website for opening times.
Our community book shop, The Bookery has a section with local books and maps.
This article includes information from the Town Council’s Crediton Town Guide and the Crediton Through the Ages booklet, published by the Crediton History & Museum Society and written by Sandra Cooper.
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