A lot has been written about Widecombe over the years and new material continues to appear. A number of published works are mentioned in the Books and Links page.
In addition, you might find the following useful, all of which have introductory pages on this site.
- The Parish Link
- Charlotte Larpent’s Enduring Legacy
- Revisiting Some Medieval Documents of Widecombe Church
- Widecombe’s Ancient Landscape
- The Lords of Widecombe and the Farmers of Bonehill
- Welfare in Widecombe 1700-1900
- Numerous books by Tracey Elliot-Reep
- Things New and Old Concerning the Parish of Widecombe
- Uncovering the Lost Manor
More information and links to these pages are provided below.
Parish Link Magazine
To view and/or download the latest or previous Parish Links in pdf format:
Charlotte Larpent’s Enduring Legacy: Most people locally are familiar with Charlotte Larpent’s significant contributions to Leusdon Parish, including the building and endowment of Leusdon School and Leusdon Church.
As well as describing the background to these achievements, this book explores Charlotte’s earlier life in Kent and Surrey and what led her to Devon and her interest in Leusdon.
Widecombe’s Ancient Landscape: Visitors and residents alike should find plenty to interest them in this extensively illustrated new book about Widecombe, its valley and the surrounding landscape and settlements. It will be your companion as you explore the area and spot things you had never noticed before or if you are reading it at home and uncovering some unexpected snippets of information.
Revisiting Some Medieval Documents of Widecombe Church
This booklet investigates the earliest known surviving ecclesiastical documents that concern Widecombe Church. It aims to clarify what these documents reveal about the events and personalities recorded in them and considers how Widecombe Church integrated into the wider context of the Church in Devon and beyond. As a result, new information has emerged about the people and places involved that revises and enhances current understanding of the events of the time.
The Lords of Widecombe and Farmers of Bonehill: a Dartmoor story from then ‘til now
Unpublished data & maps found recently by Tim Whitten reveal who controlled worked and raised families in the isolated East Webburn Valley (Dartmoor National Park) and changes from earliest times to present. There were dramatic lordship events; general change increased through the 19th century until present as reflected by farmers’ families.
Welfare in Widecombe 1700-1900: Do you wonder how the poor and vulnerable survived in the 18th and 19th centuries without central government help? What about the elderly? And what happened to children? What happened if you just could not work? This extensively illustrated, beautifully produced book explores these questions in the context of general welfare provision in Widecombe long before the welfare state as we know it today. All profits from the sale of the book will benefit local causes, including Donate for Dartmoor. Welfare in Widecombe won the Devon History Society Local Society Book of the Year Award for 2021.
Uncovering the Lost Manor of Widecombe: A cross on an old map and an old poem were the only clues to show that there was once an important medieval manor house right in the centre of Widecombe. Unperturbed local historians and enthusiastic volunteers rose to the challenge to locate and discover more about this medieval mystery.
Tracey Elliot-Reep writes books about Dartmoor and her many travels. You can find out more here.
Robert Dymond wrote about Widecombe in 1876. His book, produced in aid of a Widecombe Church in need of some repair, provides some fascinating glimpses into an earlier time. The complete book is transcribed here.