Chudleigh Knighton
From Rolling Hills to Rugged Moors
Tucked between the rolling eastern edge of Dartmoor and the sandstone cliffs of the Teign Valley, Chudleigh Knighton is small enough to feel like a secret yet perfectly placed for day‑tripping around South Devon. Think nature reserves alive with orchids and dragonflies, an easygoing high street, and the comforting smell of wood‑smoke from classic West Country pubs.
Brief History
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Pre‑Norman roots – “Cniht‑tun” appears in 10th‑century charters, likely meaning “settlement of the young men/servants”.
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Medieval quarrying – Local micaceous sandstone (“sharps”) was prized for scythe‑sharpening; shallow quarries now form today’s wildlife ponds.
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Clay industry boom (19th c.) – White ball‑clay from pits around the village fed the potteries of Stoke‑on‑Trent and continue (on a smaller scale) today.
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WWII decoy – Fields north‑east of the heath hosted a “Starfish” bombing decoy for Plymouth; charcoal burns are still traceable in aerial photos.