Silverton

Welcome to Silverton

Situated between the Rivers Exe and Culm, the parish of Silverton lies in the heart of Mid Devon. The village of Silverton, set on a hill about eight miles north of Exeter, is believed to be one of the oldest villages in Devon, with origins dating back to the earliest years of Saxon settlement. Before the Norman Conquest it was a Royal Manor and gave its name to the surrounding hundred, later renamed Hayridge.

Until the late 19th century, Silverton held two annual cattle fairs, likely centred in the wide village square on Fore Street, where a constantly running leat still flows. The village features an appealing mix of domestic buildings, including late‑medieval properties, cob‑walled cottages and traditional thatched roofs, contributing to Silverton’s picturesque and historic charm.

Local Experiences:

Silverton is a welcoming village with strong community spirit, beautiful architecture and scenic surroundings. The parish is home to the Grade I listed Church of St Mary the Virgin, dating back to the 15th century, and the village square features a recently listed War Memorial commemorating those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars.

The village also hosts an active Walk & Talk group as part of Walking for Health in Devon, offering guided walks that provide both exercise and social connection. Silverton’s footpaths and gentle rural lanes make it a lovely base for exploring the Mid Devon landscape.

Silverton’s biggest annual celebration is the Silverton Street Market, held on the first Saturday of August. Drawing over 2,000 visitors, the market offers food stalls, music, crafts, gifts and entertainment for all ages, transforming the village streets into a lively festival scene.

For refreshments, Silverton benefits from two friendly public houses, The Silverton Inn and The Lamb Inn, both serving food and offering a warm welcome to visitors.

History & Places of Interest:

• Oldest Village in Devon: Silverton’s Saxon origins make it one of the oldest recorded villages in the county.
• Church of St Mary the Virgin: A Grade I listed parish church, with medieval features dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
• War Memorial: Located in the village square and recently granted listed status.
• Fore Street Leat: A historic constantly running leat flowing through the centre of the village.

Places to See:

• Silverton Park Remains: Once one of Devon’s grandest houses, built in the late 1830s by the 4th Earl of Egremont. The mansion was dynamited in 1902 after failing to sell, but remnants of the estate remain of historic interest.
• (With thanks to Mr G. Parnell of the Silverton History Society.)
• Church of St Mary: Believed to date partly from the 14th century. It stands beside The Berry (or Bury), a green space with lime trees traditionally said to have been planted in 1660 to celebrate the Restoration.