Coldridge

Welcome to Coldridge:

Coldridge sits in a peaceful rural setting around 19 miles northwest of Exeter and 11 miles from the historic market town of Crediton. Surrounded by the rolling hills of Mid Devon, it embodies the essence of a classic English village where time feels as though it has stood still. Set high on a hilltop with far‑reaching views in every direction, the village is centred around St Matthew’s Church, a striking landmark that commands the landscape.

With no major through‑road, Coldridge offers a calm and restful atmosphere. It is reached via the B3220 or the winding rural lanes from the A377 at Eggesford. Visitors are kindly asked to park considerately to preserve the village greens and ensure access for emergency vehicles. Once settled, Coldridge provides a warm welcome in a beautifully rural location.

Local Experiences:

Coldridge offers a blend of tranquillity, scenic countryside and unique attractions. The village is dotted with traditional thatched cob cottages and stone houses, creating a picturesque hilltop settlement surrounded by panoramic views across Mid Devon’s farmland, woodlands and valleys.

A network of peaceful footpaths radiates from the Village Green, inviting visitors to enjoy gentle walks through fields and rural lanes. Look out across the landscape to spot the churches and villages of Nymet Rowland, Lapford, Morchard Bishop, Down St Mary and Bondleigh — with views stretching to the edge of Dartmoor and, on a clear day, all the way to Exmoor.

A highlight for aviation enthusiasts is the Trenchard Farm airstrip, home to a collection of restored Auster aircraft and other historic planes. Visits by air must be arranged in advance, and pilots are asked to follow local noise‑abatement rules to help preserve the peace of the valley.

A visit to St Matthew’s Church provides an opportunity to explore the village’s long and fascinating past. This historic building stands proudly at the centre of Coldridge and reflects centuries of community life, architectural evolution and spiritual significance.

For quiet moments, the commemorative benches on the Village Green offer perfect spots to pause, admire the scenery and absorb the calm of this unspoilt corner of Devon.

History & Places of Interest:

• Domesday Origins: Coldridge appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Colrige, believed to mean “a wooded ridge where charcoal burners dwelt.”
• Norman Influence: After the Norman Conquest, lands in and around the parish were granted to prominent Norman figures, including the Bishop of Coutances and Baldwin, Sheriff of Exeter.
• Castle at Millsome: The Normans built a defensive castle at Millsome to maintain control over the local Saxon population.
• St Matthew’s Church: Constructed in the late 12th century, altered across the medieval period, and restored in 1877. The 15th‑century tower remains a defining feature.
• Name Variations: Historically, Coldridge was sometimes referred to as “Coleridge,” though the reason for this change remains uncertain.

Acknowledgement:

These notes were prepared by Coldridge Parish Council, with the kind assistance of Mr Ivan Kriznik and Mr John Dike.