Lapford

Welcome to Lapford:

Lapford is a traditional rural parish set in the heart of the Devonshire countryside, overlooking the River Yeo. With roots stretching back to the Iron Age and early Celtic worship, the village is rich in history and surrounded by beautiful pastoral landscapes. Today, Lapford offers a peaceful community atmosphere with a playing field featuring two play areas, a football pitch and a fenced playground. The village also benefits from a request‑stop station on the Tarka Line, providing scenic rail travel between Exeter and Barnstaple.

Local Experiences:

Lapford offers visitors a blend of rural tranquillity, fascinating history and easy access to countryside adventures. The area is known as part of “River Country,” named for the many waterways that weave through the landscape. Just outside the village is Bury Barton, the site of a Roman fort believed to have begun as a large pre‑Flavian structure, later replaced by a smaller fort before being abandoned in the early Flavian period.

Lapford also has intriguing stories woven through its past. In the early 20th century, Ambrosia operated a large creamery and processing facility here, contributing to the village’s role in local agriculture and production. Lapford is further known for its folklore: the village is said to host the spirits of two figures — its former vicar John Radford, and, according to local legend, St Thomas Becket, who is said to ride through the village every 29th December on a white horse.

Visitors can explore the Grade I listed Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, originally a Norman chapel rebuilt by Sir William de Tracey under orders from King Henry II as penance for his involvement in the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170. Inside, the uniquely carved late‑15th‑century screen is a highlight, being decorated on both sides.

Lapford’s community spirit is reflected in the Lapford Village Market, held on the last Saturday of each month at the Victory Hall, with stalls and light lunches available. Nature lovers can also enjoy the nearby Eggesford Forest, offering woodland trails, wildlife and peaceful walking routes.

Food and drink can be enjoyed at The Old Malt Scoop Inn, a 16th‑century coaching inn offering an à la carte menu, daily specials and Sunday roasts. The pub hosts quiz nights, karaoke and themed evenings, adding to the village’s welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen bar still contains the original laying‑out table from the building’s days as the village undertakers — without any of its former use, of course. Nearby villages such as Wembworthy and Down St Mary also offer excellent pub dining at The Lymington Arms and The Devonshire Dumpling.

History & Places of Interest:

• Iron Age & Celtic Origins: The area shows evidence of being a place of worship for Celtic communities.
• Roman Fort at Bury Barton: A significant archaeological site linked to early Roman military presence in Devon.
• Ambrosia Creamery: Lapford was home to a major early‑20th‑century milk processing facility.
• Village Ghost Lore: Local stories tell of the wandering spirits of the former vicar John Radford and, on 29th December, Thomas Becket riding through the village.
• Church of St Thomas of Canterbury: Rebuilt by Sir William de Tracey in penance for his role in Becket’s murder, featuring an unusually double‑carved 15th‑century screen.

Acknowledgement:

Image courtesy of Martin Bodman / Lapford: towards the village / CC BY-SA 2.0